System for controlling load control parameters over fade times

ABSTRACT

A load controller in a load control system may communicate messages with load control devices for controlling electrical loads. The load controller may receive messages that comprise values for controlling different load control parameters over different overlapping fade times. The load controller may identify a shorter remaining fade time for controlling one of the load control parameters and may determine an updated target value for controlling another load control parameter over the shorter remaining fade time. The load controller may transmit a series of messages within a limited fade time using an updated target value for each message to control an electrical load at a fade rate that during a fade time that is longer than the limited fade time.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 17/547,020, filed Dec. 9, 2021, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/123,357, filedDec. 9, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A user environment, such as a residence or an office building, forexample, may be configured with a lighting control system. The lightingcontrol system may be used to control the lighting loads providingartificial light in the user environment. Each load control system mayinclude various control devices, including input devices and lightingcontrol devices. The lighting control devices may receive messages fromthe input devices, which may include load control instructions, forcontrolling a corresponding electrical load. Examples of lightingcontrol devices may include a dimmer switch, an electronic switch, aballast, or a light-emitting diode (LED) driver. Examples of inputdevices may include remote control devices or sensors (e.g., occupancysensors, daylight sensors, temperature sensors, and/or the like). Remotecontrol devices may receive user input for performing lighting control.Sensor devices may detect sensor events for performing lighting control.

SUMMARY

A load controller in a load control system may communicate messages withload control devices for controlling electrical loads. The loadcontroller receive messages that comprise values for controllingdifferent load control parameters over different overlapping fade times.The load control devices with which the load controller is configured tocommunicate may be limited to controlling each load control parameterusing a common fade time (e.g., a common fade time for all controlparameters).

The load controller may receive commanded target values for controllinga first load control parameter and a second load control parameter overrespective overlapping fade times. The load controller may identify ashorter remaining fade time for controlling the first load controlparameter or the second load control parameter. The load controller maydetermine an updated target value for controlling the first load controlparameter or the second load control parameter over the shorterremaining fade time and transmit the updated target value forcontrolling the first load control parameter or the second load controlparameter over the shorter remaining fade time. The updated target valuefor controlling the first load control parameter or the second loadcontrol parameter may be used to simulate a continuous fade rate forcontrolling the first load control parameter or the second load controlparameter toward the commanded target value for controlling the loadcontrol parameter over a commanded fade time.

The load control parameters may be lighting control parameters forcontrolling at least one lighting load. For example, the lightingcontrol parameters may each comprise a different lighting controlparameter selected from a group comprising a lighting intensity, a colortemperature, and a color spectrum value (e.g., a color vibrancy leveland/or color saturation level). The load control parameters may includean intensity (e.g., a volume) of a speaker or another audio device, atemperature, and/or a position of a covering that covers a motorizedwindow treatment (e.g., a shade position)

The load control devices with which the load controller is configured tocommunicate may be limited to controlling a load control parameter overa limited fade time. The load controller may receive a commanded targetvalue of a load control parameter for controlling the electrical loadand a fade time over which the load control parameter is to becontrolled. The load controller may compare the fade time to the limitedfade time to determine whether the received fade time is longer than thelimited fade time. If the fade time is longer than the limited fadetime, the load controller may determine an updated target value forcontrolling the load control parameter over the limited fade time. Theupdated target value may be used to control the electrical load at afade rate over the limited fade time to simulate the fade rate forcontrolling the electrical load toward the commanded target value overthe entire received fade time. For example, the updated target value maybe transmitted to the load control device for controlling the electricalload at the fade rate over the limited fade time.

The load controller may wait a transmission period and determine whethera remaining fade time after the transmission period is longer than thelimited fade time. If the remaining fade time is longer than the limitedfade time, the load controller may determine another updated targetvalue for controlling the load control parameter over the limited fadetime and transmit the updated target value to the load control device.If the remaining fade time is shorter than the limited fade time, theload controller may transmit the commanded target value of the loadcontrol parameter for controlling the electrical load to the loadcontrol device.

The load controller may receive commands to control two or more loadcontrol parameters over different amounts of time. For example, the loadcontroller may receive a command to control a first load controlparameter to a first target value over a first amount of time and asecond load control parameter to a second target value over a secondamount of time that is shorter than the first amount of time. The loadcontroller may transmit instructions configured to maintain a currentvalue of the first load control parameter while the second load controlparameter is being controlled. Once the second load control parameterhas been controlled to the second target value, the load controller maytransmit instructions configured to control the first load controlparameter to the first target value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example load control system.

FIGS. 2A-2C are example diagrams for controlling load control parametersaccording to different fade rates.

FIGS. 3A-3B are example sequence diagrams illustrating the operation ofa load control system for controlling load control parameters overmultiple fade times.

FIGS. 4A-4B are example flowcharts for controlling load controlparameters over multiple fade times.

FIG. 5 is an example timing diagram for controlling a load controlparameter using a limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT).

FIG. 6 is an example sequence diagram of a load control system forcontrolling a load control parameter using a limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT).

FIG. 7 is an example flowchart for controlling a load control parameterusing a limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example load controller.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a device capable ofprocessing and/or communication in the load control system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example load control device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example load control system 100 forcontrolling the amount of power delivered from a power source 102 to oneor more electrical loads. The power source 102 may be analternating-current (AC) or direct current (DC) power source. The loadcontrol system 100 may comprise a number of control devices forcontrolling electrical loads. The control devices may comprise inputdevices and/or load control devices for controlling electrical loads.The input devices may be operable to transmit messages in response touser inputs, sensor inputs, or other input information and transmitmessages for enabling load control. The control devices may include loadcontrol devices that may be operable to receive messages and/or controlrespective electrical loads in response to the received messages forminput devices or other devices in the load control system 100. Thoughdescribed as being transmitted in a message or a command, one or moremessages or commands may be used to convey the information of themessage or the command.

The control devices of the load control system 100 may comprise one ormore input devices, e.g., such as a remote control device (e.g., a wiredkeypad device) 150 and/or a wired sensor 166, for transmitting messageson a wired communication link 104 for controlling one or more electricalloads. The remote control device 150 may be configured to transmitmessages via a wired communication link 104 in response to an actuationof one or more buttons of the remote control device 150. The messagesmay include an indication of the button pressed on the remote controldevice 150. The remote control device 150 may be adapted to bewall-mounted in a standard electrical wallbox.

The wired sensor 166 may be configured to perform measurements andtransmit messages on the wired communication link 104 in response to themeasurements. For example, the wired sensor 166 may be a wired daylightsensor configured to measure (e.g., periodically measure) a signal(e.g., a photosensor or photodiode current) that may be used todetermine a value indicative of a light intensity in the space in whichthe wired daylight sensor 166 is installed (e.g., sensor data). Thewired sensor 166 may be an occupancy sensor configured to transmitmessages on the wired communication link 104 in response to sensing anoccupancy and/or vacancy condition for controlling an electrical load inthe load control system 100. The wired sensor 166 may transmit messagesthat include occupancy conditions or a vacancy conditions identified bythe wired sensor 166. The wired sensor 166 may be a color temperaturesensor configured to measure (e.g., periodically measure) a signal thatmay be used to determine a value indicative of a color temperature inthe space in which the wired daylight sensor 166 is installed (e.g.,sensor data).

The wired sensor 166 may be configured to be coupled with a sensorinterface 168. The wired sensor 166 may transmit messages (e.g., whichmay include a respectively measured signal) to the sensor interface 168periodically in response to periodic measurements. The sensor interface168 may be configured to transmit a message via the wired communicationlink 104 in response to a message received from the wired sensor 166.For example, the sensor interface 168 may be configured to convert thesignal measured by the wired sensor 166 into an appropriate value thatindicates the measurements taken in the space (e.g., a daylight value,such as foot-candles or another daylight value, a color temperaturevalue, an intensity level, etc.) and may further transmit the value viathe wired communication link 104. For example, the value may be used forcontrolling the intensities of one or more of the electrical loads inthe load control system.

The load control system 100 may comprise a wired/wireless processor 140configured to receive messages from input devices via the wiredcommunication link 104 and/or transmit commands for controlling one ormore electrical loads. For example, the wired/wireless processor 140 mayreceive messages from one or more input devices on the wiredcommunication link 104 and transmit messages for controlling electricalloads in response to the messages received from the input devices. Forexample, the wired/wireless processor 140 may have stored thereon anassociation of input devices to load control devices for transmittingmessages to the load control devices for enabling load control inresponse to messages received from the input devices. The wired/wirelessprocessor 140 may store a zone identifier for the associated devicesprogrammed in the same zone for enabling control of zones of loadcontrol devices in response to messages received from input devices inthe same zone. For example, the wired/wireless processor may transmitthe zone identifier in messages on the wired communication link 104 forcontrolling load control devices in the zone.

The wired/wireless processor 140 may be capable of communicating on thewired communication link 104 and/or a wireless communication link via RFsignals 107. The wired/wireless processor 140 may receive messages frominput devices and/or a network computing device 164 via a wiredcommunication link and/or the RF signals 107.

The operation of the load control system 100 may be programmed and/orconfigured at one or more devices using a network computing device, suchas the personal computing device 164 or other computing device, such asa mobile user device for example. The personal computing device 164 mayexecute a graphical user interface (GUI) configuration software forallowing a user to program how the load control system 100 may operate.The configuration software may generate a dataset that defines theoperation of the load control system 100. For example, the dataset mayinclude information regarding the operational settings (e.g., loadcontrol parameters) of different load control devices of the loadcontrol system 100. The dataset may include the load control parametersfor controlling different types of load control devices and/orelectrical loads. For example, the load control parameters may includelighting control parameters for controlling lighting loads in the loadcontrol system 100. In another example, the load control parameters mayinclude control parameters for controlling other types of load controldevices in the load control system 100, for example a speaker. Thedataset may include association information regarding associations ofthe unique identifier of load control devices and the input devices(e.g., the remote control device 150 and/or the sensor 166) capable ofperforming control of the associated load control devices. The datasetmay include zone configuration information comprising zone identifiersfor identifying zones of load control devices and input devicesprogrammed for enabling load control in the zone. For example, loadcontrol devices may be configured via the configuration software asbeing in the same zone as input devices for common control.

The dataset, or portions thereof, may be transmitted to one or more loadcontrollers 110, wired/wireless processors 140, and/or control devices(e.g., load control devices and/or input devices) via wired and/orwireless communication links for being stored thereon. For example, thedataset may be transmitted to other devices on the wired communicationlink 104 or the wireless communication link comprising the RF signals107. Examples of configuration procedures for load control systems aredescribed in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No.7,391,297, issued Jun. 24, 2008, entitled HANDHELD PROGRAMMER FOR ALIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM; U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2008/0092075, published Apr. 17, 2008, entitled METHOD OF BUILDING ADATABASE OF A LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM; and U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0265568, published Sep. 18, 2014, entitledCOMMISSIONING LOAD CONTROL SYSTEMS, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

The load control system 100 may comprise a load controller 110configured to receive messages from input devices and/or thewired/wireless processor 140 on the wired communication link 104 andperforming control of one or more electrical loads in response to suchmessages. The load controller 110 may be capable of receiving power fromthe AC power source 102 via a power line 160 and providing power to theone or more electrical loads with which it is electrically connected.The load controller 110 may be connected to the electrical loads via oneor more wired communication links 106. The wired communication link 106may include a wired power/communication link for providing power toand/or controlling one or more electrical loads on the wiredcommunication link 106. In an example, the wired communication link 106may be a digital addressable lighting interface (DALI) wiredcommunication link or another wired link capable of providingcommunication with one or more load control devices for controllingcorresponding electrical loads. In some examples, the wiredcommunication link 106 may be configured to supply power to the loadcontrol devices 122 a, 122 b. Though shown as a wired link, the wiredcommunication link 106 may comprise a wireless communication link onwhich messages are transmitted for controlling electrical loads.

The wired communication link 106 may include one or more addressableload control devices 122 a, 122 b for controlling correspondingelectrical loads 124 a, 124 b. Though shown as a single wiredcommunication link 106 with multiple load control devices 122 a, 122 b,the load control system 100 may comprise other wired communication linksincluding one or more addressable load control devices 122 a, 122 b. Theload control devices 122 a, 122 b and/or the electrical loads 124 a, 124b may be supplied power from the load controller 110 on the wiredcommunication link 106.

The load control devices 122 a, 122 b may be lighting control devicesthat may comprise, for example, a ballast, or a light-emitting diode(LED) driver. The electrical loads 124 a, 124 b may be lighting loadsthat may comprise fluorescent lamps or LED light sources (e.g.,emitters) for being controlled by the respective lighting controldevices. The lighting control devices may each control lighting controlparameters of the corresponding electrical loads. The lighting controlparameters may comprise a lighting intensity level, a color level, acolor spectrum value (e.g., a color vibrancy level and/or colorsaturation level), and/or a fade rate. For example, the color level maybe a color temperature level, such as a correlated color temperature(CCT) level, the color level may be x- and y-chromacity values, RGBvalues, RGBWAF values, and/or the like. The lighting intensity level, acolor (e.g., color temperature) level, and/or a color vibrancy level maybe controlled according to the fade rate over a period of time (e.g.,fade time). Though lighting control devices and lighting loads areprovided as examples of load control devices and electrical loads,respectively, which may be controlled according to lighting controlparameters, other types of load control devices and electrical loads maybe similarly controlled according to other load control parameters asdescribed herein.

The load control parameters may be controlled at the load controldevices 122 a, 122 b in response to the values of the load controlparameters. For example, with regard to controlling lighting controlparameters, the lighting intensity may be controlled in response to arelative lighting intensity value (e.g., between zero and one-hundredpercent) for controlling the lighting load. The color may be controlledin response to x,y coordinates on a color spectrum. The colortemperature may be controlled in response to color temperature values ina range of available color temperature values (e.g., 3000K to 5000K) forthe corresponding electrical load. The color spectrum value may becontrolled by a vibrancy level. In response to changes in the vibrancylevel, the lighting control devices may adjust the wavelength (e.g., thecolor spectrum) of the light emitted by the lighting load, which mayaffect the color of the light (e.g., the reflected light) on objects.Increases and/or decreases in vibrancy level may increase/decreasesaturation of the color of objects in the area without changing thecolor of the light when the user looks at the light (e.g., the color ofthe emitted light). In an example, the vibrancy level may indicate arelative level of vibrancy (e.g., between zero and one-hundred percent)for increasing/decreasing the vibrancy of the one or more lighting loadsfor a defined zone. Changing the relative level of vibrancy may increaseor decrease the intensity of one or more white LEDs that make up thelighting load, thereby increasing or decreasing vibrancy, respectively.Changing vibrancy in this manner may also include changing theintensities of other LEDs (e.g., red, green, and/or blue LEDs) of thelighting load to maintain the same color output of the lighting loads(e.g., to maintain the same (or approximately the same) chromaticitycoordinates of the mixed color output of the lighting load). The effectthat controlling vibrancy has on the light emitted by the lighting load(e.g., the CRI value of the light emitted by the lighting load) may bebased on the distance between the selected color setting and theblack-body curve (e.g., or another predefined range of values, such asthe color output of a white or substantially white LED within arespective lighting load). In an example, the load control parametersmay include an intensity (e.g., a volume) of a speaker or another audiodevice. Additionally and/or alternatively, the load control parametersmay include a temperature and/or a position of a covering that covers amotorized window treatment (e.g., a shade position).

The wired/wireless processor 140 may receive messages from input devicesand identify the load control devices 122 a, 122 b that are to becontrolled in response to the received messages. For example, the inputdevices may be stored in the same zone or have a unique identifierassociated with the unique identifier of the load control devices 122 a,122 b in memory. The wired/wireless processor 140 may receive themessages from the input devices and identify associated load controldevices 122 a, 122 b and load control instructions for controlling theelectrical loads 124 a, 124 b in response to the messages from the inputdevices. The wired/wireless processor 140 may generate messagescomprising load control parameters for controlling the load controldevices 122 a, 122 b in response to the messages received from inputdevices. For example, the wired/wireless processor 140 may generatelighting control instructions for controlling lighting parameters oflighting loads. The wired/wireless processor 140 may also independentlygenerate messages comprising load control parameters for controllingload control devices 122 a, 122 b. For example, the wired/wirelessprocessor 140 may generate messages comprising load control parametersin response to timer events or another expiration of time. While thewired/wireless processor 140 may generate messages comprising loadcontrol parameters for controlling the load control devices 122 a, 122b, the messages comprising the load control parameters may betransmitted directly from the input devices.

The load controller 110 may receive these messages from thewired/wireless processor 140, or may receive the messages directly fromthe input devices, e.g., the network computing device 164, the remotecontrol device 150, the wired sensor 166, and/or the like via the wiredcommunication link 104. The messages received by the load controller 110may include the unique identifier of the input device from which themessage is received and/or the zone identifier for identifying theassociated load control devices 122 a, 122 b for being controlled. Themessages may include load control parameters for controllingcorresponding electrical loads 124 a, 124 b. For example, the messagesmay include lighting control parameters (e.g., intensity, color, and/orcolor spectrum value) for controlling a lighting load over a fade time(e.g., a period of time over which the load control parameter iscontrolled). The fade time may be a load control parameter over whichother load control parameters may be controlled. Though the loadcontroller 110 may be described as receiving load control parameters viamessages on the wired communication link 104, the load controller 110may receive the messages from the input devices or the wired/wirelessprocessor 140 and independently generate the load control parameters forcontrolling the electrical loads 124 a, 124 b.

The load controller 110 may receive messages configured to control theload control parameters at the load control devices 122 a, 122 b andcommunicate messages, via the wired communication link 106, to the loadcontrol devices 112 a, 122 b for controlling the electrical loads 124 a,124 b according to the values of the load control parameters. In anexample, the load controller 110 may receive messages configured tocontrol multiple lighting control parameters (e.g., intensity, color,and/or color spectrum value) over a fade time and transmit one or moremessages, via the wired communication link 106, comprising the lightingcontrol parameters and the fade time to control the lighting loads overthe fade time. The load control devices 122 a and 122 b may beconfigured to control the respective loads 124 a and 124 b in responseto the load control parameters and the respective fade time.

The load control devices 122 a, 122 b may be restricted to controllingthe load control parameters over a limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT). Forexample, the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) may be a maximum period oftime supported for adjusting a load control parameter at the loadcontrol devices 122 a, 122 b at a fade rate in response to a singlemessage transmission on the wired communication link 106 and/or amaximum period of time the load controller 110 is preconfigured totransmit as a fade time for a load control parameter. When a commandedfade time T_(FADE_CMD) for controlling the electrical loads 124 a, 124 bis longer than the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT), the load controller110 may transmit multiple messages over the period of the commanded fadetime T_(FADE_CMD) and simulate or achieve the same fade rate at whichthe electrical loads 124 a, 124 b would be controlled over the commandedfade time T_(FADE_CMD).

The load control devices 122 a, 122 b may also, or alternatively, belimited to controlling one or more load control parameters over a commonfade time (e.g., a common fade time for all load control parameters at asingle time). For example, the load control devices 122 a, 122 b mayreceive a first message on the wired communication link 106 thatcomprises a first load control parameter for being controlled over afirst fade time (e.g., at a first fade rate), and then subsequentlyreceive a second message on the wired communication link 106 thatcomprises a second load control parameter for being controlled over asecond fade time (e.g., at a second fade rate). The load control devices122 a and 122 b may begin to control the first load control parameter atthe first fade rate, but be unable to continue to control the first loadcontrol parameter at the first fade rate while also controlling thesecond parameter at the second fade rate. The first and second loadcontrol parameters may be of the same type (e.g., lighting controlparameters) or different types (e.g., one may be a lighting controlparameter and one may be a volume control parameter). Additionallyand/or alternatively, the load control parameters may include atemperature and/or a position of a covering that covers a motorizedwindow treatment (e.g., a shade position).

In a more specific example, the load control devices 122 a, 122 b mayreceive a color temperature value and a color temperature fade time forcontrolling the color temperature of the corresponding electrical loads124 a, 124 b over the color temperature fade time (e.g., at a colortemperature fade rate). The load control devices 122 a, 122 b maysubsequently receive a lighting intensity value and a lighting intensityfade time for controlling the lighting intensity of the correspondingelectrical loads 124 a, 124 b over the lighting intensity fade time(e.g., at a lighting intensity fade rate). The load control devices 122a, 122 b may be unable to continue to control the color temperaturevalue of the corresponding electrical loads 124 a, 124 b at the colortemperature fade rate during the color temperature fade time, while alsocontrolling the lighting intensity of the corresponding electrical loads124 a, 124 b at the lighting intensity fade rate. As described herein,the load controller 110 may determine updated target load controlparameters that may be transmitted to the load control devices 122 a,122 b to allow the load control devices 122 a, 122 b to control themultiple load control parameters over multiple fade times, whilemaintaining a respective fade rate (e.g., the color temperature faderate and the lighting intensity fade rate) for each load controlparameter.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate example diagrams 200, 220, and 240, respectively,showing values of different load control parameters over time (e.g., atdifferent fade rates). For example, the diagrams 200, 220, 240 depictthe values of a first load control parameter (e.g., color and/or colortemperature) and a second load control parameter (e.g., intensity) overtime. A load controller (e.g., the load controller 110 of FIG. 1 ) maybe configured to transmit messages comprising the load controlparameters and/or a respective fade time of the load control parameters.A load control device (e.g., the load control devices 122 a, 122 b ofFIG. 1 ) may receive the messages and control the correspondingelectrical load according to the messages. The load control device maybe configured to control the electrical load in response to the messagesreceived from the load controller. For example, the load control devicemay be a lighting control device configured to control a lighting loadin response to lighting control parameters received from the loadcontroller. The first lighting control parameter may comprise a colortemperature value or other color value configured to control the colortemperature or color of the lighting load. The second lighting controlparameter may comprise a lighting intensity value configured to controlthe lighting intensity of the lighting load. Though first and secondlighting control parameters in the example diagrams 200, 220, and 240may be used as an example for describing how load control parameters maybe controlled over different fade times, any one or more load controlparameters may be similarly controlled as described herein.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the lighting intensity of the lighting load may beset to a first intensity value 202 (e.g., about five percent intensity)and the color temperature of the lighting load may be set to a firstcolor temperature value 204 (e.g., about 3000K) at an initial time t₀.The load controller may transmit to the lighting control device a firstmessage that is configured to control the color temperature of thelighting load to a second (e.g., target) color temperature value 212(e.g., about 5000K) over a color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT)(e.g., about 90 seconds), such that the color temperature of thelighting load may reach the second (e.g., target) color temperaturevalue 212 at time t₃. For example, the first message may comprise thesecond (e.g., target) color temperature value 212 and the colortemperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT) as load control parameters. Thelighting control device may begin controlling the color temperature(e.g., starting at the initial time to) at a color temperature faderate, for example, along a target color temperature fade curve 214(e.g., based on the received load control parameters). For example, thecolor temperature fade rate may be the ratio between the second targetcolor temperature value 212 and the color temperature fade timeT_(FADE_CCT). Between times t₀ and t₁, the values of an actual colortemperature fade curve 220 may be equal to the values of the targetcolor temperature fade curve 214.

At time t₁, the load controller may transmit a second message that isreceived by the lighting control device and is configured to control thelighting intensity of the lighting load. The second message may includea second (e.g., target) lighting intensity value 210 (e.g., about 100percent) to which to control the lighting load over a lighting intensityfade time T_(FADE_INT) (e.g., about 10 seconds). For example, the secondmessage received by the lighting control device from the load controllermay comprise the second (e.g., target) lighting intensity value 210 andthe lighting intensity fade time T_(FADE_INT) as load controlparameters. The lighting control device may begin controlling thelighting intensity (e.g., starting at time t₁) at a lighting intensityfade rate, for example, along a lighting intensity fade curve 216 (e.g.,based on the received load control parameters). For example, thelighting intensity fade rate may be the ratio between the second (e.g.,target) lighting intensity value 210 and the lighting intensity fadetime T_(FADE_INT).

As the lighting control device may be limited to controlling thelighting control parameters (e.g., the lighting intensity and the colortemperature) over a common fade time (e.g., a common fade time for allcontrol parameters at the same time), the lighting control device may beunable to continue to control the color temperature of the lighting loadat the color temperature fade rate after receiving the second messageincluding the lighting intensity fade time T_(FADE_INT) at time t₁. Asshown in FIG. 2A, at time t₁, the lighting control device may beconfigured to begin controlling each of the lighting control parameters(e.g., the lighting intensity and the color temperature) using the mostrecently received fade time, i.e., the lighting intensity fade timeT_(FADE_INT). So, as shown in FIG. 2A, the values of the actual colortemperature curve 220 of the lighting load may deviate from the valuesof the target color temperature curve 214 in response to the receipt ofthe second message including the lighting intensity fade timeT_(FADE_INT). For example, at time t₁, the lighting control device maybegin to control the color temperature of the lighting load to thesecond (e.g., target) color temperature value 212 over the lightingintensity fade time T_(FADE_INT). The color temperature may becontrolled from an intermediate color temperature value 218 at time t₁to the second (e.g., target) color temperature value 212 (e.g., to whichthe color temperature was previously being controlled) at time t₂ alongthe actual color temperature fade curve 220 over the more recentlyreceived intervening fade time (e.g., the lighting intensity fade timeT_(FADE_INT)).

FIG. 2B shows another example diagram 220 showing fade curves fordifferent load control parameters over time. Similar to the diagram 200shown in FIG. 2A, the lighting intensity of the lighting load may be setto a first intensity value 202 (e.g., about five percent intensity) andthe color temperature of the lighting load may be set to a first colortemperature value 204 (e.g., about 3000K) at an initial time to. Theload controller may transmit to the lighting control device a firstmessage that is configured to control the color temperature of thelighting load to a second (e.g., target) color temperature value 212(e.g., about 5000K) over a color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT)(e.g., about 90 seconds) at a color temperature fade rate, such that thecolor temperature of the lighting load may reach the second (e.g.,target) color temperature value 212 at time t₃, for example, along atarget color temperature fade curve 214. Again, the lighting controldevice may receive a message that includes a second (e.g., target)lighting intensity value 210 and a lighting intensity fade timeT_(FADE_INT) at t₁. For example, at t₁ there may be a remaining colortemperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING1). The remaining colortemperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING1) may be the time remainingfrom the color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT) at the time t₁.However, as the lighting control device may be limited to controllingeach of the lighting control parameters using a common fade time for allcontrol parameters, the message from the load controller may include anupdated target color temperature value 230 over which the colortemperature is to also be controlled over the lighting intensity fadetime T_(FADE_INT). The lighting control device may begin changing thelighting intensity at time t₁ from the lighting intensity value 208 tothe second (e.g., target) lighting intensity value 210 over the lightingintensity fade time T_(FADE_INT) at a lighting intensity fade rate, forexample, along a lighting intensity fade curve 216. At the same time,the lighting control device may begin changing, or continue changing,the color temperature of the lighting load at time t₁ from the colortemperature value 218 to the updated target color temperature value 230over the lighting intensity fade time T_(FADE_INT). The updated targetcolor temperature value 230 may be calculated at the load controller andtransmitted to the lighting control device to maintain a colortemperature fade rate, for example, along the target color temperaturefade curve 214.

The lighting control device may receive a message from the loadcontroller to continue to control the color temperature of the lightingcontrol device toward the second (e.g., target) color temperature value212 over a remaining color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING2)from the time t₂ to the time t₃. The remaining color temperature fadetime T_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING2) may be the time remaining from the colortemperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT) at the time t₂. As can be seen fromthe diagram 220 in FIG. 2B, controlling the color temperature from thecolor temperature value 218 to the updated target color temperaturevalue 230 over the duration of the lighting intensity fade timeT_(FADE_INT) may allow the target color temperature fade curve 214 ofthe color temperature value to maintain the color temperature fade ratealong the target color temperature fade curve 214 over the entire colortemperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT).

FIG. 2C shows another example diagram 240 showing fade rates fordifferent load control parameters over time. Similar to the diagrams200, 220 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, the lighting control device mayinitially be set at an intensity value 202 and color temperature value204 at time to. At time to, the lighting control device may receive amessage to control the color temperature to a second (e.g., target)color temperature value 212 over a color temperature fade timeT_(FADE_CCT), causing the color temperature to initially change at acolor temperature fade rate, for example, along a target colortemperature fade curve 214. Between times to and t₁, the values of anactual color temperature fade curve 222 may be equal to the values ofthe target color temperature fade curve 214. The lighting control devicemay receive, at time t₁, a message that includes a second (e.g., target)lighting intensity value 210 and a lighting intensity fade timeT_(FADE_INT), and begin changing the lighting intensity from thelighting intensity value 208 at time t₁ to the second (e.g., target)lighting intensity value 210 at time t₂ using a lighting intensity faderate, for example, along a lighting intensity fade curve 216. The colortemperature value may be equal to a color temperature value 218 at timet₁. As the lighting control device may be limited to controlling each ofthe lighting control parameters using a common fade time for all controlparameters, the lighting control device may maintain the same colortemperature value constant while the lighting control device isadjusting the lighting intensity value over the lighting intensity fadetime T_(FADE_INT) from time t₁ to time t₂. The load controller maytransmit a message to the lighting control device to control thelighting intensity over the lighting intensity fade time T_(FADE_INT)from time t₁ to time t₂, the lighting control device may control thecolor temperature value along the actual color temperature fade curve222 to maintain the color temperature value constant at the currentcolor temperature value 218. After the lighting intensity fade timeT_(FADE_INT) has ended at time t₂, the lighting control device may thencontrol the color temperature value over the remaining color temperaturefade time T_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING) from the time t₂ to the time t₃. Forexample, the load controller may transmit another message to thelighting control device at time t₂ to control the color temperaturevalue over the remaining color temperature fade timeT_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING) toward the second (e.g., target) colortemperature value 212, which may result in the color temperature beingcontrolled at the lighting control device along the actual colortemperature fade curve 222 at an adjusted color temperature fade rate.

As can be seen from the diagram 240 in FIG. 2C, instructing the loadcontrol device to maintain its color temperature value (e.g., notchange) for the duration of the intervening lighting intensity fade timeT_(FADE_INT) may allow the fade rate 219 of the color temperature valueto approximate (e.g., simulate) the target color temperature fade curve214 to achieve the second (e.g., target) color temperature value 212over the color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT). The adjusted colortemperature fade rate along the actual color temperature fade curve 222between time t₂ and time t₃, however, is different than the colortemperature fade rate along the target color temperature fade curve 214.The actual color temperature curve 222 shown in FIG. 2B may approximate(e.g., simulates) the target color temperature curve 214. Controllingthe lighting load to remain constant at the color temperature value 218while the lighting intensity value is adjusted over the lightingintensity fade time T_(FADE_INT) instead of calculating an updated colortemperature value to which to control the color temperature over thelighting intensity fade time T_(FADE_INT) may simplify the calculationsperformed at the load controller and/or the message received by the loadcontrol device.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are example sequence diagrams 300 and 350 illustratingthe operation of a load control system for controlling load controlparameters over different fade times. The sequence diagrams 300 and 350may depict the flow of messages communicated between an input device302, a load controller 304 (e.g., the load controller 110 shown in FIG.1 ), and a lighting control device 306 (e.g., the load control devices122 a, 122 b shown in FIG. 1 ). Though the sequence diagrams 300 and 350illustrate a lighting control device 306 and lighting control parametersbeing communicated in the messages between control devices forcontrolling a lighting load via the lighting control device 306, otherload control devices may be similarly implemented to control other loadcontrol parameters as described herein. For example, the load controldevice may be a speaker, and the load control parameters may include anintensity (e.g., a volume) of the speaker. Additionally and/oralternatively, the load control parameters may include a temperatureand/or a position of a covering that covers a motorized window treatment(e.g., a shade position). The load control parameters may be of the sametype or of different types. Additionally, the input device 302 mayrepresent a control device from which messages may have originated, orthrough which the messages may be communicated, prior to being receivedby the load controller 304. For example, the input device 302 maycomprise a control device in the load control system from which messagesmay be transmitted, such as the network computing device 164, the remotecontrol device 150, the wired sensor 166, and/or another device in theload control system 100 shown in FIG. 1 . In another example, the inputdevice 302 may represent a wired/wireless processor, such as thewired/wireless processor 140 shown in FIG. 1 , from which messages mayhave originated or through which messages may be communicated from acontrol device.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the input device 302 may transmit a message 310 tothe load controller 304 (e.g., at time t₀ as shown in FIG. 2B). Themessage 310 may comprise lighting control parameters for controlling alighting load via the lighting control device 304. The lighting controlparameters in the message 310 may comprise a target color temperaturevalue CCT_(TARGET) (e.g., a commanded target color temperature value)and a color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT) over which the colortemperature of a corresponding lighting load is to be controlled by thelighting control device 304. The load controller 304 may receive themessage 310, and, in response, the load controller 304 may transmit amessage 312 comprising the target color temperature value CCT_(TARGET)and the color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT). The load controldevice 306 may receive the message 312 and may begin controlling thecolor temperature of the corresponding lighting load to the target colortemperature value CCT_(TARGET) at a color temperature fade rate (e.g.,which may be dependent upon the target color temperature valueCCT_(TARGET) and the color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT)).

The input device 302 may transmit a message 314 to the load controller304 comprising another fade time over which another lighting controlparameter is to be controlled by the lighting control device 306 (e.g.,at time t₁ as shown in FIG. 2B). For example, the message 314 maycomprise a target lighting intensity value L_(TARGET) and a lightingintensity fade time T_(FADE_INT). The lighting intensity fade timeT_(FADE_INT) may be an intervening fade time, as the lighting controldevice 306 may currently be controlling another lighting controlparameter (e.g., the color temperature) of its corresponding lightingload over another fade time (e.g., the color temperature fade timeT_(FADE_CCT)). The load controller 304 may receive the message 314, and,in response, the load controller 304 may determine at 316 that a firstremaining color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING1) is greaterthan the received lighting intensity fade time T_(FADE_INT). The firstremaining color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING1) that isdetermined at 316 may be a period of time remaining during the colortemperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT) after the message 314 is received(e.g., T_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING1)=t₃−t₁ as shown in FIG. 2B).

At 318, the load controller 304 may determine an updated target colortemperature value CCT_(TARGET_UPDATED) for controlling the colortemperature of the lighting load over the lighting intensity fade timeT_(FADE_INT). The updated target color temperature valueCCT_(TARGET_UPDATED) may be calculated to maintain a continuous faderate for the color temperature controlled by the lighting control device306 over the commanded color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT). Forexample, the updated target color temperature value CCT_(TARGET_UPDATED)may be the color temperature at the end of the lighting intensity fadetime T_(FADE_INT) if the color temperature continued at the colortemperature fade rate during the lighting intensity fade timeT_(FADE_INT). As a result, the fade rate of the color temperature beforereceiving the message 314 may be equal to the fade rate of the colortemperature after receiving the message 314, such that the colortemperature fade rate of the color temperature is constant over theentire length of the color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT).

The load controller 304 may transmit the message 320 to the lightingcontrol device 306 for controlling the corresponding lighting load basedon the determined lighting control parameters. For example, the message320 may include the target value LTRGT, the updated target colortemperature value CCT_(TARGET_UPDATED), and the lighting intensity fadetime T_(FADE_INT) to the lighting control device 306. The lightingcontrol device 306 may receive the message 320 and, in response, controlthe lighting intensity of the corresponding lighting load to the targetlighting intensity value L_(TARGET) (e.g., at a lighting intensity faderate) and control the color temperature of the corresponding lightingload to the updated target color temperature value CCT_(TARGET_UPDATED)(e.g., at the color temperature fade rate) over the lighting intensityfade time T_(FADE_INT).

At 322, the load controller 304 may determine a second remaining colortemperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING2), which may be a period oftime remaining during the color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT) afterthe lighting intensity fade time T_(FADE_INT) (e.g.,T_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING2)=t₃−t₂ as shown in FIG. 2B). The load controller304 may transmit a message 324 to the lighting control device 306 thatis configured to continue control of the lighting control parameterhaving a remaining fade time (e.g., the color temperature) at the end ofthe lighting intensity fade time T_(FADE_INT). The message 324 maycomprise the target color temperature value CCT_(TARGET) (e.g., theinitial/commanded target color temperature value) that was received inthe message 310 and the second remaining color temperature fade timeT_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING2). The second remaining color temperature fadetime T_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING2) that is transmitted in the message 324 maycomprise the color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT) minus the end ofthe intervening lighting intensity fade time T_(FADE_INT). The loadcontrol device 306 may receive the message 324 and, in response, controlthe corresponding lighting load toward the target color temperaturevalue CCT_(TARGET) over the second remaining color temperature fade timeT_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING2).

While the sequence diagram 300 shown in FIG. 3A depicts a colortemperature and a lighting intensity as example load control parametersfor controlling an electrical load over different fade times, the loadcontrol parameters may include any other suitable load controlparameters that may be used for controlling an electrical load over afade time. Additionally, while the sequence diagram 300 shows control ofa lighting load in response to receipt of two overlapping fade times(e.g., the color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT) and the lightingintensity fade time T_(FADE_INT)), load control devices may similarlycontrol a corresponding electrical load in response to additional fadetimes over the same period.

In an example, the sequence diagram 350 shown in FIG. 3B includessimilar messages to the sequence diagram 300 shown in FIG. 3A forenabling control of color temperature and lighting intensity in responseto receipt of multiple fade times at the load controller 304.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the input device 302 may transmit a message 311 tothe load controller 304 (e.g., at time t₀ as shown in FIG. 2B). Themessage 311 may comprise lighting control parameters for controlling alighting load via the lighting control device 306. The lighting controlparameters in the message 311 may comprise a first load controlparameter target value CP1 _(TARGET) and a first load control parameterfade time T_(FADE_CP1) over which the first load control parameter of acorresponding lighting load is to be controlled by the lighting controldevice 306 to the first load control parameter target value CP1_(TARGET). For example, the first load control parameter may be a colortemperature. The first load control parameter target value CP1 _(TARGET)may be a target color temperature value (e.g., a commanded target colortemperature value), and the first load control parameter fade timeT_(FADE_CP1) may be a color temperature fade time over which the colortemperature of the corresponding lighting load is to be controlled bythe lighting control device 306 to the first load control parametertarget value CP1 _(TARGET). The load controller 304 may receive themessage 311, and, in response, the load controller 304 may transmit amessage 313 comprising the first load control parameter target value CP1_(TARGET) and the first load control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP1).The load control device 306 may receive the message 313 and may begincontrolling the color temperature of the corresponding lighting loadtowards the first load control parameter target value CP1 _(TARGET) at acolor temperature fade rate (e.g., which may be dependent upon the firstload control parameter target value CP1 _(TARGET) and the first loadcontrol parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP1)).

The input device 302 may transmit a message 315 to the load controller304 comprising another fade time over which another lighting controlparameter is to be controlled by the lighting control device 306 (e.g.,at time t₁ as shown in FIG. 2B). For example, the message 315 maycomprise a second load control parameter target value CP2 _(TARGET) anda second load control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP2). For example, thesecond load control parameter may be a lighting intensity. The secondload control parameter target value CP2 _(TARGET) may be a targetlighting intensity value, and the second load control parameter fadetime T_(FADE_CP2) may be a lighting intensity fade time. The second loadcontrol parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP2) may be an intervening fadetime, as the lighting control device 306 may currently be controllinganother lighting control parameter (e.g., the first load controlparameter) of its corresponding lighting load over another fade time(e.g., the first load control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP1)). Theload controller 304 may receive the message 315, and, in response, theload controller 304 may determine at 317 that a remaining first loadcontrol parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP1_REMAINING1) is greater than thereceived second load control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP2). Theremaining first load control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP1_REMAINING1)that is determined at 317 may be a period of time remaining during thefirst load control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP1) after the message315 is received (e.g., T_(FADE_CP1_REMAINING1)=t₃−t₁ as shown in FIG.2B).

At 319, the load controller 304 may determine an updated target firstload control parameter value CP_(TARGET_UPDATED) for controlling thefirst load control parameter of the lighting load over the second loadcontrol parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP2). The updated first load controlparameter target value CP1 _(TARGET_UPDATED) may be calculated tomaintain a continuous fade rate for the first load control parametercontrolled by the lighting control device 306 over the first loadcontrol parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP1). For example, the updated firstload control parameter target value CP1 _(TARGET_UPDATED) may be thefirst load control parameter at the end of the second load controlparameter fade time T_(FADE_CP2) if the first load control parametercontinued at the first load control parameter fade rate during thesecond load control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP2). As a result, thefade rate of the first load control parameter before receiving themessage 315 may be equal to the fade rate of the first load controlparameter after receiving the message 315, such that the first loadcontrol parameter fade rate of the first load control parameter isconstant over the entire length of the first load control parameter fadetime T_(FADE_CP1).

The load controller 304 may transmit the message 321 to the lightingcontrol device 306 for controlling the corresponding lighting load basedon the determined lighting control parameters. For example, the message321 may include the second load control parameter target value CP2_(TARGET), the updated first load control parameter target value CP1_(TARGET_UPDATED), and the second load control parameter fade timeT_(FADE_CP2) to the lighting control device 306.

The load controller 304 may receive a message 323 comprising anotherload control parameter for being controlled over another fade time. Forexample, the message 323 may include a third load control parametertarget value CP3 _(TARGET) and a third load control parameter fade timeT_(FADE_CP3) over which the third load control parameter of thecorresponding lighting load may be controlled to the third load controlparameter target value CP3 _(TARGET). For example, the third loadcontrol parameter may be a color spectrum value (e.g., a color vibrancylevel and/or color saturation level). The third load control parametertarget value CP3 _(TARGET) may be a color spectrum value (e.g.,commanded target color spectrum value), and the third load controlparameter fade time T_(FADE_CP3) may be a color spectrum fade time overwhich the color spectrum level of the light reflected from thecorresponding lighting load may be controlled. For example, the thirdload control parameter target value CP3 _(TARGET) may be indicated byone or more vibrancy levels configured to control the lighting load, asdescribed herein.

The load controller 304 may receive the message 323 after the secondload control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP2) has ended. If the secondload control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP2) has ended, the third loadcontrol parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP3) may be a second interveningfade time received during the first load control parameter fade timeT_(FADE_CP1). In response to the message 323, the load controller 304may determine at 325 that a second remaining first load controlparameter fade time T_(FADE_CP1_REMAINING2) is greater than theintervening third load control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP3). Thesecond remaining first load control parameter fade timeT_(FADE_CP1_REMAINING2) may be a period of time remaining after receiptof the message 323 for controlling the lighting control device 306. At326, the load controller 304 may determine a second updated first loadcontrol parameter value CP1 _(TARGET_UPDATED). The second updated firstload control parameter value CP1 _(TARGET_UPDATED) may be the first loadcontrol parameter value to which the lighting load is to be controlledover the intervening third load control parameter fade timeT_(FADE_CP3). For example, the second updated first load controlparameter value CP1 _(TARGET_UPDATED) may be calculated to maintain acontinuous fade rate for the first load control parameter of thelighting control device over the first load control parameter fade timeT_(FADE_CP1). The load controller 304 may transmit the message 328 tothe lighting control device 306 for controlling the correspondinglighting load based on the determined lighting control parameters. Forexample, the message 328 may include the third load control parametertarget value CP3 _(TARGET), the second updated first load controlparameter value CP1 _(TARGET_UPDATED), and the third load controlparameter fade time T_(FADE_CP3). The lighting control device 306 mayreceive the message 328 and, in response, control the third load controlparameter of the corresponding lighting load to the target third loadcontrol parameter value CP3 _(TARGET) and control the first load controlparameter of the corresponding lighting load to the second updated firstload control parameter value CP1 _(TARGET_UPDATED) third load controlparameter target value first load control parameter target value,respectively, over the third load control parameter fade timeT_(FADE_CP3).

If the lighting load is still being controlled over the second loadcontrol parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP2) when the message 323 isreceived, the load controller 304 may compare the third load controlparameter fade time T_(FADE_CP3) to the second remaining first loadcontrol parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP1_REMAINING2) and a remainingsecond load control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP2_REMAINING). Thesecond remaining first load control parameter fade timeT_(FADE_CP1_REMAINING2) and the remaining second load control parameterfade time T_(FADE_CP2_REMAINING) may be calculated as the remaining fadetime for the commanded first load control parameter fade timeT_(FADE_CP1) and the commanded second load control parameter fade timeT_(FADE_CP2), respectively, when the message 323 is received. The loadcontroller 304 may determine the lowest remaining fade time (e.g., theshorter of T_(FADE_CP1) and T_(FADE_CP2)) for controlling a load controlparameter and determine the updated target load control values for eachparameter that is not originally being controlled over the lowestremaining fade time. For example, the load controller 304 may determineat 325 that the second remaining first load control parameter fade timeT_(FADE_CP1_REMAINING2) and the remaining second load control parameterfade time T_(FADE_CP2_REMAINING) are both greater than the third loadcontrol parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP3). At 326, the load controller304 may determine a second updated first load control parameter valueCP1 _(TARGET_UPDATED) and updated target second load control parametervalue CP2 _(TARGET_UPDATED) for controlling the lighting load over thethird load control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP3). The second updatedfirst load control parameter value CP1 _(TARGET_UPDATED) and the updatedsecond load control parameter target value CP2 _(TARGET_UPDATED) may becalculated to maintain a continuous fade rate for the first load controlparameter and the second load control parameter, respectively, over thecommanded fade times (e.g., first load control parameter fade timeT_(FADE_CP1) and second load control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP2)).The load controller 304 may transmit a message to the lighting controldevice 306 for controlling the corresponding lighting load based on thedetermined lighting control parameters. For example, the message mayinclude the third load control parameter target value CP3 _(TRGT), thesecond updated first load control parameter target value CP1_(TARGET_UPDATED), the updated second load control parameter targetvalue CP2 _(TARGET_UPDATED), and the third load control parameter fadetime T_(FADE_CP3) over which the lighting control parameters are to becontrolled.

After the transmission of the message or messages for controlling thelighting control parameters over the third load control parameter fadetime T_(FADE_CP3), the load controller 304 may continue to determineupdated lighting control parameters for controlling the lighting controlparameters over the lowest remaining fade time until a single remainingfade time exists. For example, at 330, the load controller 304 maydetermine that the first load control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP1)is the fade time that is remaining after the other fade times expire.The load controller 304 may determine, at 330, a third remaining firstload control parameter fade time T_(FADE_CP1_REMAINING3) after theexpiration of the other one or more intervening fade times. The loadcontroller 304 may send a message 332 for controlling the first loadcontrol parameter value over the third remaining first load controlparameter fade time T_(FADE_CP1_REMAINING3). For example, the message332 may include the commanded first load control parameter target valueCP1 _(TARGET) to which the lighting control device was originally beingcontrolled.

Though a single input device 302 and/or lighting control device 306 isshown, messages may be received from one or more input devices at theload controller 304 that are configured to cause control of one or moreload control device over different fade times. Additionally, though themessages that are received by the load controller 304 may comprise theload control parameters themselves for controlling one or moreelectrical loads, the load controller may be capable of receiving otherinputs and generating the load control parameters in response to theinputs that are received. For example, the load controller 304 mayreceive an indication of a button press from a remote control device orsensor information from a sensor device and may generate the lightingcontrol parameters (e.g., color temperature values, lighting intensityvalues, saturation values, fade rates, and/or other lighting controlparameters) for controlling the lighting load in response to thereceived inputs.

FIG. 4A is an example flowchart of a control procedure 400 forcontrolling load control parameters according to multiple fade times.The procedure 400 may be performed by a load controller, such as theload controller 110 shown in FIG. 1 , or another device in the loadcontrol system. For example, the procedure 400 may be performed by awired/wireless processor, such as the wired/wireless processor 140 shownin FIG. 1 , or another local or remote computing device. Though theprocedure 400 may be described herein as being performed by a singledevice, such as a load controller, the procedure 400 may be distributedacross multiple devices.

The load controller may enter the control procedure 400 at 401. Forexample, the procedure 400 may begin at 401 in response to receiving amessage, periodically, and/or at preprogrammed times. The loadcontroller may receive load control parameters for controlling anelectrical load over different fade times. For example, at 402, the loadcontroller may receive a first target value V_(TARGET_1) to which afirst load control parameter is to be controlled over a first fade timeT_(FADE_1) (e.g., at a first fade rate). At 404, the load controller mayreceive a second target value V_(TARGET_2) to which a second loadcontrol parameter is to be controlled over a second fade time T_(FADE_2)(e.g., at a second fade rate). For example, the load control parametersmay include lighting control parameters for controlling a lighting load.The first lighting control parameter may be a lighting intensity and thesecond lighting control parameter may be a color temperature, thoughother load control parameters may be similarly controlled. The loadcontroller may receive the first target value V_(TARGET_1) and/or thefirst fade time T_(FADE_1) for controlling the first load controlparameter, at the same time as, or before the second target valueV_(TARGET_2) and/or the second fade time T_(FADE_2) for controlling thesecond load control parameter.

The load controller may determine a first remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_1) for the first fade time T_(FADE_1) and a secondremaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_2) for the fade time T_(FADE_2).At 406, the load controller may determine which of the first remainingfade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_1) and the second remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_2) is shorter. The load controller may identify theshorter of the first remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_1) and thesecond remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_2) asT_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT) and the longer of the two asT_(FADE_REMAINING_LONG). As the load control device may be limited tocontrolling each load control parameter over the same fade time, at 408the load controller may determine an updated target valueV_(TARGET_UPDATED) for controlling the load control parameter that hasthe longer remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_LONG) over the shorterremaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT). For example, the loadcontroller may determine the updated target value V_(TARGET_UPDATED)such that the load control parameter with the longer remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_LONG) maintains its commanded fade rate (e.g., one ofthe first fade rate or the second fade rate) over the shorter remainingfade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT). Accordingly, the load controller maymaintain the fade rate of the load control parameter over the entiretyof the longer fade time of the first fade time T_(FADE_1) or the secondfade time T_(FADE_2).

At 410, the load controller may transmit the updated target valueV_(TARGET_UPDATED) for controlling the load control parameter with thelonger remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_LONG). The updated targetvalue V_(TARGET_UPDATED) may be transmitted with the target value (e.g.,one of the first target value V_(TARGET_1) or the second target valueV_(TARGET_2)) for controlling the other load control parameter (e.g.,for controlling the load control parameter with the shorter remainingfade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT)) and the shorter remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT). The load control device may update the controlof the load control parameters based on the received values.

After the shorter remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT) hasexpired, the load control device may continue to fade the load controlparameter that had the longer remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_LONG) over the remaining portion of the commanded fadetime (e.g., one of the first fade time T_(FADE_1) or the second fadetime T_(FADE_2)). At 412, the load controller may determine theremaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING) of the commanded fade time (e.g.,one of the first fade time T_(FADE_1) or the second fade timeT_(FADE_2)) and transmit the commanded target value (e.g., one of thefirst target value V_(TARGET_1) or the second target value V_(TARGET_2))and the remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING) for controlling the loadcontrol parameter that had the longer remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_LONG). For example, the load controller may transmitthe commanded target value (e.g., one of the first target valueV_(TARGET_1) or the second target value V_(TARGET_2)) after the end ofthe shorter remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT). Accordingly,the load controller may, through the control procedure 400, control twoload control parameters over two different fade times simultaneously.After transmitting the commanded target value, the load controller mayexit the control procedure 400.

Though the procedure 400 shown in FIG. 4A may illustrate control of afirst load control parameter and a second load control parameter havingrespective fade times, two or more load control parameters may besimilarly controlled to maintain respective fade rates over two or morecorresponding fade times. For example, the load controller may identifya shortest remaining fade time of the plurality of the fade timesT_(FADE) for each of the load control parameters being controlled. Anupdated target value may be calculated for each load control parameterthat does not have the shortest remaining fade time in the same manneras described herein for simulating the commanded fade rate (e.g.,initial fade rate) for the load control parameter. The updated targetvalues may be transmitted in a message to the load control device withthe commanded target value for the load control parameter having theshortest remaining fade time. The load control device may control eachof the load control parameters according to the received values over theshortest remaining fade time. The load controller may continue tocalculate updated target values for controlling each of the load controlparameters over the shortest remaining fade time until a singleremaining fade time is left for a load control parameter. The loadcontroller may then transmit the commanded target value and theremaining fade time for the load control parameter to the load controldevice for simulating the commanded fade rate for the load controlparameter.

FIG. 4B is an example flowchart of a control procedure 450 forcontrolling load control parameters according to multiple fade times.The procedure 450 may be performed by a load controller, such as theload controller 110 shown in FIG. 1 , or another device in the loadcontrol system. For example, the procedure 450 may be performed by awired/wireless processor, such as the wired/wireless processor 140 shownin FIG. 1 , or another local or remote computing device. Though theprocedure 450 may be described herein as being performed by a singledevice, such as a load controller, the procedure 450 may be distributedacross multiple devices.

The load controller may enter the control procedure 450 at 451. Forexample, the procedure 450 may begin at 451 in response to receiving amessage, periodically, and/or at preprogrammed times. The loadcontroller may receive load control parameters for controlling anelectrical load over different fade times. For example, at 452, the loadcontroller may receive a first target value V_(TARGET_1) to which afirst load control parameter is to be controlled over a first fade timeT_(FADE_1) (e.g., at a first fade rate). At 454, the load controller mayreceive a second target value V_(TARGET_2) to which a second loadcontrol parameter is to be controlled over a second fade time T_(FADE_2)(e.g., at a second fade rate). For example, the load control parametersmay include lighting control parameters for controlling a lighting load.The first lighting control parameter may be a lighting intensity and thesecond lighting control parameter may be a color temperature, thoughother load control parameters may be similarly controlled. The loadcontroller may receive the first target value V_(TARGET_1) and/or thefirst fade time T_(FADE_1) for controlling the first load controlparameter, at the same time as, or before, the second target valueV_(TARGET_2) and/or the second fade time T_(FADE_2) for controlling thesecond load control parameter.

The load controller may determine a first remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_1) for the first fade time T_(FADE_1) over which thefirst load control parameter is to be controlled and a second remainingfade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_2) for the second fade time T_(FADE_2) overwhich the second load control parameter is to be controlled. At 456, theload controller may determine which of the first remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_1) and the second remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_2) is shorter. The load controller may identify theshorter of the first remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_1) and thesecond remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_2) asT_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT) and the longer of the two asT_(FADE_REMAINING_LONG).

At 458, the load controller may identify a load control parameter to bemaintained over the shorter remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT). For example, the load control parameter to bemaintained may be the load control parameter associated with the longerremaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_LONG). At 460, the load controllermay determine a maintain value V_(MAINTAIN) of the identified loadcontrol parameter. The maintain value V_(MAINTAIN) may be a currentvalue of the identified load control parameter. The load controller maydetermine the maintain value V_(MAINTAIN) based on a calculation. Forexample, the load controller may calculate the maintain valueV_(MAINTAIN) based on an initial value of the load control parameter, afade rate of the load control parameter, and an amount of time elapsedsince an initial time (e.g., the time at which the command to fade theload control parameter was received).

At 462, the load controller may transmit the target value (e.g., one ofthe first target value V_(TARGET_1) or the second target valueV_(TARGET_2)) of the load control parameter associated with the shorterremaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT) and the maintain valueV_(MAINTAIN) of the load control parameter associated with the longerremaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_LONG). For example, if the loadcontroller identifies the first remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_1)as the shorter remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT), the loadcontroller may transmit the first target value V_(TARGET_1) associatedwith the first load control parameter. Conversely, if the loadcontroller identifies the second remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_2) as the shorter remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT), the load controller may transmit the secondtarget value V TARGET_2 associated with the second load controlparameter. The load controller may transmit the shorter remaining fadetime T_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT) along with the selected target value andthe maintain value V_(MAINTAIN). Additionally and/or alternatively, theload controller may transmit a stop command to the load control device.The stop command may instruct the load control device to stop fading theload control parameter associated with the longer remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_LONG) and to maintain the load control parameter at acurrent value. In this way, the load controller may maintain the loadcontrol parameter associated with the longer remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_LONG) at a constant value while the load controlparameter associated with the shorter remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT) approaches the corresponding target value.

After the shorter remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT) hasexpired, the load control device may resume fading the load controlparameter that had the longer remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_LONG) over the remaining portion of the commanded fadetime (e.g., one of the first fade time T_(FADE_1) or the second fadetime T_(FADE_2)). At 464, the load controller may determine theremaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING) of the commanded fade time (e.g.,one of the first fade time T_(FADE_1) or the second fade timeT_(FADE_2)) and transmit the commanded target value (e.g., one of thefirst target value V_(TARGET_1) or the second target value V_(TARGET_2))and the remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING) for controlling the loadcontrol parameter that had the longer remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING_LONG). For example, the load controller may transmitthe commanded target value (e.g., one of the first target valueV_(TARGET_1) or the second target value V_(TARGET_2)) after the end ofthe shorter remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_SHORT). Additionallyand/or alternatively, the load controller may transmit a resume commandto the load control device. The stop command may instruct the loadcontrol device to resume fading the load control parameter associatedwith the longer remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING_LONG).Accordingly, the load controller may, through the control procedure 450,control two load control parameters over two different fade timessimultaneously. After transmitting the commanded target value, the loadcontroller may exit the control procedure 450.

Though the procedure 450 shown in FIG. 4B may illustrate control of afirst load control parameter and a second load control parameter havingrespective fade times, more than two load control parameters may beused. For example, the load controller may (e.g., simultaneously)receive command(s) for controlling three different load controlparameters over three different fade times. The load controller maycontrol a first load control parameter of the three load controlparameters, then a second load control parameter, and finally a thirdload control parameter, for example with the control parameters beingcontrolled according to their respective fade times.

In an example (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2C), the first load controlparameter may be a color temperature of a lighting load associated witha lighting control device, and the second control parameter may be alighting intensity of the lighting load. At an initial time to, thecolor temperature and the lighting intensity may have initial values(e.g., 3200 K and 10%, respectively). At the initial time to, the loadcontroller may receive a message that includes a first (e.g., target)color temperature value and a color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT).The load controller may transmit the first target color temperaturevalue and the color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT) to the lightingcontrol device, and the lighting control device may determine a colortemperature fade rate, and may begin to fade the color temperature ofthe lighting load at the determined color temperature fade rate. Theload controller may receive, at time t₁, a message that includes asecond (e.g., target) lighting intensity value and a lighting intensityfade time T_(FADE_INT). The load controller may determine a remainingcolor temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING), and may determinethat the lighting intensity fade time T_(FADE_INT) is less than theremaining color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING).

As the lighting control device may be limited to controlling each of thelighting control parameters using a common fade time for all controlparameters, the lighting control device may maintain the same colortemperature value constant while the lighting control device isadjusting the lighting intensity value over the lighting intensity fadetime T_(FADE_INT) from time t₁ to time t₂. The load controller maytransmit a message to the lighting control device to control thelighting intensity over the lighting intensity fade time T_(FADE_INT)from time t₁ to time t₂, while maintaining the color temperature valueat the value it held at time t₁ (e.g., a current or maintain value). Forexample, the load controller may transmit a message to the lightingcontrol device that includes the target lighting intensity value, themaintain value for the color temperature, and the lighting intensityfade time T_(FADE_INT). After the lighting intensity fade timeT_(FADE_INT) has ended at time t₂, the lighting control device may thencontrol the color temperature value over the remaining color temperaturefade time T_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING) from the time t₂ to the time t₃. Forexample, the load controller may transmit another message to thelighting control device at time t₂ to control the color temperaturevalue over the remaining color temperature fade timeT_(FADE_CCT_REMAINING) toward the second (e.g., target) colortemperature value.

Instructing the lighting control device to maintain its colortemperature value (e.g., not change) for the duration of the interveninglighting intensity fade time T_(FADE_INT) may allow the fade rate of thecolor temperature value to approximate (e.g., simulate) the target colortemperature fade curve to achieve the second (e.g., target) colortemperature value over the color temperature fade time T_(FADE_CCT). Theadjusted color temperature fade rate along the actual color temperaturefade curve between time t₂ and time t₃, however, may different than thecolor temperature fade rate along the target color temperature fadecurve. Controlling the lighting load to remain constant at the colortemperature value while the lighting intensity value is adjusted overthe lighting intensity fade time T_(FADE_INT) instead of calculating anupdated color temperature value to which to control the colortemperature over the lighting intensity fade time T_(FADE_INT) maysimplify the calculations performed at the load controller and/or themessage received by the load control device.

FIG. 5 is an example timing diagram 500 illustrating a timing diagramfor illustrating the transmission of messages for controlling a loadcontrol parameter using a limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT). The messagesillustrated in the timing diagram 500 may be transmitted by a loadcontroller, such as the load controller 110 shown in FIG. 1 , or anotherdevice in the load control system. For example, the messages in thetiming diagram 500 may be transmitted by a wired/wireless processor,such as the wired/wireless processor 140 shown in FIG. 1 , or anotherlocal or remote computing device.

The timing diagram 500 may illustrate the transmission of messages forcontrolling an electrical load over a commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD)in response to messages transmitted from the load controller to a loadcontrol device (e.g., the load control devices 122 a, 122 b of FIG. 1 ).The load controller may receive the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) orotherwise determine the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) from messagesreceived from control devices in the load control system. The loadcontroller may also receive and/or determine a commanded target valueV_(TARGET) to which a load control parameter is to be controlled overthe commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD). For example, messages may be sentfor controlling a lighting control parameter, such as a lightingintensity or another lighting control parameter, over the commanded fadetime T_(FADE_CMD). Though the timing diagram 500 depicts a timingsequence for controlling a single lighting control parameter, multiplelighting control parameters (e.g., intensity, color, saturation) orother load control parameters may be similarly controlled.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) may be fourminutes and the a load control device may control the lighting intensityfrom a commanded lighting intensity value L_(CMD) of zero percent to atarget lighting intensity value L_(TARGET) of one hundred percent (e.g.,at a constant fade rate r_(CON)). The load controller may determine thatthe commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) over which the lighting intensityis to be continuously controlled is longer than a limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT), which may set a limit on the value of the fade time thatmay be included in a single command for controlling the lighting load.For example, the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) may be a maximumperiod of time supported for controlling a load control parameter at aload control device in a single command and/or a maximum period of timethe load controller is preconfigured to transmit as a fade time forcontrolling a load control parameter.

When the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) is longer than the limitedfade time T_(FADE_LIMIT), the load controller may divide the targetlighting intensity value (e.g., 100%) into one or more intermediatetarget lighting intensity values V_(TARGET_INTER). For example, at 508,the load controller may transmit a message that comprises anintermediate target lighting intensity value V_(TARGET_INTER) (e.g.,37.5%) configured to instruct the lighting control device to control thelighting intensity of a corresponding lighting load from a current value(e.g., 0%) to the intermediate target lighting intensity value (e.g.,37.5%) over the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) (e.g., 90 seconds).

The load controller may calculate the intermediate target lightingintensity value V_(TARGET_INTER) in the message transmitted at 508 basedon a present lighting intensity value V_(PRES) (e.g., 0%) and a lightingintensity adjustment value V_(ADJ) (e.g., 37.5%). The lighting intensityadjustment value V_(ADJ) may be calculated as a function of the constantfade rate r_(CON) and the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT). For example,the load controller may calculate the lighting intensity adjustmentvalue V_(ADJ) (e.g., 37.5%). by dividing the entire fade time T_(FADE)by the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) to determine the lightingintensity adjustment value V_(ADJ) as a percentage of the entire fadetime T_(FADE). Accordingly, if the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) is90 seconds and the total fade time T_(FADE) is 240 seconds, the limitedfade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) may be 37.5% of the entire fade time T_(FADE).The load controller may similarly adjust the lighting intensityadjustment value V_(ADJ) (e.g., 37.5%) to a portion of the total changein the lighting intensity (e.g., 100%) over the entire fade timeT_(FADE) to maintain the fade rate for the limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT). Though the intermediate lighting intensity target valueV_(TARGET_INTER) is described with reference to a lighting intensityvalue, an intermediate target value may similarly be calculated forother load control parameters based on a present value of the loadcontrol parameter at the time of performing control and an adjustmentvalue that is calculated to maintain the fade rate over the limited fadetime T_(FADE_LIMIT).

The load controller may transmit the message at 508 that includes theintermediate target lighting intensity value V_(TARGET_INTER) forcontrolling the lighting intensity over the limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT). The load controller may wait for a transmission periodT_(TX) (e.g., 60 seconds) before transmitting another message at 510.The transmission period T_(TX) may be shorter than the limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT) to allow for each message to be transmitted from the loadcontroller and processed at the lighting control device to enablecontinuous control of the lighting intensity value over the commandedfade time T_(FADE_CMD) (e.g., without the lighting load maintaining aconstant lighting intensity value after the expiration of the limitedfade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) prior to a subsequent message being receivedand processed). For example, if the lighting load maintains a constantlighting intensity after the expiration of the limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT) prior to a subsequent message being received andprocessed, the intensity change may be visibly steppy (e.g.,discontinuous) instead of smooth (e.g., continuous).

The load controller may determine a remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING) of the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) that remainsafter each transmission period T_(TX) expires. For example, aftertransmission of the message at 508, the load controller may determine aremaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING) after the end of the transmissionperiod T_(TX)_PERIOD (e.g., at 60 seconds). If the remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING) is greater than the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT),another intermediate target lighting intensity value V_(TARGET_INTER)may be calculated for being transmitted in the message at 510 tocontinue to maintain the fade rate over the commanded fade timeT_(FADE_CMD). The load controller may calculate the intermediate targetlighting intensity value V_(TARGET_INTER) that is included in themessage transmitted at 510 based on the present lighting intensity valueV_(PRES) (e.g., 25%) at the end of the transmission period T_(TX) andthe lighting intensity adjustment value V_(ADJ). Thus, the intermediatetarget lighting intensity value V_(TARGET_INTER) in the messagetransmitted at 510 may be set to 62.5%. The lighting control device mayreceive the message transmitted at 510 and control the lightingintensity of the corresponding lighting load from the present lightingintensity level V_(PRES) towards the intermediate lighting intensitylevel V_(TARGET_INTER) over the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT).

After transmission of the message at 510, the load controller maydetermine that the remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING) at the end ofthe next transmission period T_(TX) (e.g., at 120 seconds) is greaterthan the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) and calculate anotherintermediate target lighting intensity value V_(TARGET_INTER) for beingtransmitted in the message at 512. The load controller may calculate theintermediate target lighting intensity value V_(TARGET_INTER) in themessage transmitted at 512 based on the present lighting intensity valueV_(PRES) (e.g., 50%) at the end of the transmission period T_(TX) (e.g.,at 120 seconds) and the lighting intensity adjustment value V_(ADJ).Thus, the intermediate target lighting intensity value V_(TARGET_INTER)in the message transmitted at 512 may be set to 87.5%. The lightingcontrol device may receive the message transmitted at 512 and controlthe lighting intensity of the corresponding lighting load from thepresent lighting intensity level V_(PRES) towards the intermediatelighting intensity level V_(TARGET_INTER) over the limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT).

Prior to the transmission of another message at 514, the load controllermay determine at the expiration of the transmission period T_(TX) (e.g.,at 180 seconds) that the remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING) is lessthan the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT). As such, the load controllermay transmit a message at 514 that includes the remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING) (e.g., 60 seconds) at the end of the transmissionperiod T_(TX) and the commanded target value V_(TARGET) (e.g., 100%) towhich the lighting intensity is to be controlled over the remaining fadetime T_(FADE_REMAINING). The lighting control device may control thelighting intensity of the lighting load to the commanded target valueV_(TARGET) (e.g., 100%) over the remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING).At 516, the lighting intensity may reach the commanded target valueV_(TARGET) (e.g., 100%) after the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD)(e.g., 4 minutes) has elapsed, while maintaining the constant fade rate,as described herein.

FIG. 6 is an example sequence diagram 600 of a load control system(e.g., the load control system 100) illustrating the transmission ofmessages for controlling a load control parameter using a limited fadetime T_(FADE_LIMIT). The sequence diagram 600 may depict thetransmission of messages communicated between an input device 602, aload controller 604 (e.g., the load controller 110 shown in FIG. 1 ),and a lighting control device 606 (e.g., the load control devices 122 a,122 b shown in FIG. 1 ). Though the sequence diagrams 600 illustratesthe lighting control device 606 and lighting control parameters beingcommunicated in the messages between the control devices for controllinga lighting load via the lighting control device 606, other load controldevices may be similarly implemented to control other load controlparameters as described herein. Additionally, the input device 602 mayrepresent a control device from which messages may have originated, orthrough which the messages may be communicated, prior to being receivedby the load controller 604. For example, the input device 602 maycomprise a control device in the load control system from which messagesmay be transmitted, such as the network computing device 164, the remotecontrol device 150, the wired sensor 166, and/or another device in theload control system 100 shown in FIG. 1 . In another example, the inputdevice 602 may represent a wired/wireless processor, such as thewired/wireless processor 140 shown in FIG. 1 , from which messages mayhave originated or through which messages may be communicated from acontrol device.

The input device 602 may transmit a message at 610 to the loadcontroller 604 comprising lighting control parameters. The lightingcontrol parameters may include a target color temperature valueCCT_(TARGET) and/or a commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) over which thecolor temperature of a lighting load is to be controlled to the targetcolor temperature value CCT_(TARGET) (e.g., at a constant fade rater_(CON)). At 612, the load controller 604 may determine that thecommanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) over which the lighting intensity is tobe continuously controlled is longer than a limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT) for being able to control the fade time for the lightingload via a single command. For example, the limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT) may be a maximum period of time supported for controllinga load control parameter at the lighting control device 606 in a singlecommand transmitted in a message and/or a maximum period of time thatthe load controller 604 is preconfigured to transmit as a fade time forcontrolling a load control parameter. The limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT) may be a maximum period of time for a single lightingparameter change. For example, the load controller and/or the loadcontrol device may be configured to send/receive a maximum period oftime for changing a single lighting parameter change. The loadcontroller may be configured to transmit a series of messages comprisingthe limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) to the load control device. At 614,the load controller 604 may determine an intermediate target colortemperature value CCT_(TARGET_INTER) for controlling the load controlparameter over the limited time T_(FADE_LIMIT). As described herein, theload controller may calculate the intermediate target color temperaturevalue CCT_(TARGET_INTER) based on a present color temperature valueCCT_(PRES) and a lighting intensity adjustment value V_(ADJ). Thelighting intensity adjustment value V_(ADJ) may be calculated as afunction of the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) and the limited fadetime T_(FADE_LIMIT) to maintain the same fade rate for the colortemperature over the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) during the limitedfade time T_(FADE_LIMIT).

The load controller 604 may transmit a message 616 to the lightingcontrol device 606 that includes the intermediate target colortemperature value CCT_(TARGET_INTER) with the limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT). The lighting control device 606 may control the colortemperature of the corresponding lighting load to the intermediatetarget color temperature value CCT_(TARGET_INTER) at the constant faderate r_(CON).

The load controller 604 may continue to compare a remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING) of the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) to thelimited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) to determine whether to transmitanother intermediate target color temperature value CCT_(TARGET_INTER)for controlling the color temperature value of the lighting load. Theload controller 604 may transmit the intermediate target colortemperature value CCT_(TARGET_INTER) when the remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING) of the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) is longerthan the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT). As described herein, the loadcontroller 604 may wait for the length of a transmission period T_(TX)before transmitting another message. The transmission period T_(TX) maybe shorter than limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) to allow for eachmessage to be transmitted from the load controller 604 and processed atthe lighting control device 606 to enable continuous adjustment of thelighting intensity value over the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD)(e.g., without the lighting load maintaining a constant lightingintensity value for prolonged periods of time due to expiration of thelimited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) prior to a subsequent message beingreceived and processed).

At 618, the load controller 604 may determine that the remaining fadetime T_(FADE_REMAINING) of the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) isshorter than the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT). The load controller604 may transmit a message 622 that includes the target colortemperature value CCT_(TARGET) with the remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING) to the lighting control device 606. The lightingcontrol device 606 may control the color temperature value to the targetcolor temperature value CCT_(TARGET) over the remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING).

FIG. 7 is an example flowchart of a control procedure 700 forcontrolling a load control parameter using a limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT). The procedure 700 may be performed by a load controller,such as the load controller 110 shown in FIG. 1 , or another device inthe load control system. For example, the procedure 700 may be performedby a wired/wireless processor, such as the wired/wireless processor 140shown in FIG. 1 , or another local or remote computing device. Thoughthe procedure 700 may be described herein as being performed by a singledevice, such as a load controller, the procedure 700 may be distributedacross multiple devices.

The load controller may enter the procedure 700 at 701. For example, theprocedure 700 may begin at 701 in response to receiving a message,periodically, and/or at preprogrammed times). At 702, the loadcontroller may receive a commanded target value V_(TARGET) forcontrolling a load control parameter over a commanded fade timeT_(FADE_CMD) (e.g., at a constant fade rate r_(CON)). For example, theload control parameter may be a lighting control parameter (e.g.,lighting intensity, color temperature, saturation), though other loadcontrol parameters may be similarly controlled.

At 704, the load controller may determine whether the commanded fadetime T_(FADE_CMD) is greater than a limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) forbeing able to control the fade time for the lighting load via a singlecommand. For example, the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) may be amaximum period of time supported for controlling a load controlparameter at the lighting control device in a single command in atransmitted message and/or a maximum period of time the load controlleris preconfigured to transmit as a fade time for controlling a loadcontrol parameter. If the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) is shorterthan the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT), the load controller maytransmit the commanded target value V_(TARGET) at 706 for controllingthe load control parameter over the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) andexit the procedure 700 at 722.

If the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) is determined, at 704, to belonger than the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT), the load controllermay set a remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING) to be equal to thecommanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD) at 708. The remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING) may be used to track the amount of time remainingover the commanded fade time T_(FADE_CMD).

At 710, the load controller may determine an intermediate target valueV_(TARGET_INTER) for controlling the load control parameter over thelimited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT). The load controller may calculate theintermediate target value V_(TARGET_UPDATED) for controlling a loadcontrol parameter based on a present load control parameter valueV_(PRES) at the time of control and a lighting intensity adjustmentvalue V_(ADJ). The lighting intensity adjustment value V_(ADJ) may becalculated as a function of the constant fade rate r_(CON) and thelimited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) to maintain the constant fade rater_(CON) for the load control parameter over the commanded fade timeT_(FADE_CMD). The load controller may determine the lighting intensityadjustment value V_(ADJ) by multiplying the constant fade rate and thelimited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT). The load controller may determine thelighting intensity adjustment value V_(ADJ) by dividing the entire fadetime T_(FADE) by the limited fade time T_(FADE) to determine the limitedfade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) as a percentage of the entire fade timeT_(FADE). The load controller may similarly adjust the fade rateincrease value V_(FADE_RATE) to a portion of the total change in theload control parameter when being controlled to the commanded targetvalue V_(TARGET) over the entire fade time T_(FADE) to maintain the faderate for the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT).

At 712, the load controller may transmit the intermediate target valueV_(TARGET_INTER) for controlling the load control parameter. Theintermediate target value V_(TARGET_INTER) may be transmitted with thelimited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT). In another example, the loadcontroller may transmit the intermediate target value V_(TARGET_INTER)without the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) and the load control devicereceiving the intermediate target value V_(TARGET_INTER) that isdifferent than the commanded target value V_(TARGET) may infer that theelectrical load is to be controlled over the limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT).

At 714, the load controller may wait for the length of the transmissionperiod T_(TX). For example, the transmission period T_(TX) may be aperiod of time the load controller waits between sending messages. Thetransmission period T_(TX) may be shorter than the limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT) to allow for each message to be transmitted from the loadcontroller and processed at the load control devices to enablecontinuous control of the load control parameter over the entire fadetime T_(FADE) (e.g., without the lighting load maintaining a constantvalue for prolonged periods of time due to expiration of the limitedfade time T_(FADE_LIMIT) prior to a subsequent message being receivedand processed).

At 716, the load controller may set the remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING). For example, the remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING) may be set equal to the previous remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING) minus the transmission period T_(TX). The remainingfade time T_(FADE_REMAINING) may be set to the time at which a futuretransmission is to be sent after the expiration of a transmission periodT_(TX) to determine the target value for controlling the load controlparameter.

At 718, if the remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING) is longer than thelimited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT), the load controller may return to 710to determine another intermediate target value V_(TARGET_INTER) forcontrolling the load control parameter over the limited fade timeT_(FADE_LIMIT).

If, at 718, the remaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING) is determined tobe shorter than the limited fade time T_(FADE_LIMIT), the loadcontroller may transmit the commanded target value V_(TARGET) forcontrolling the load control parameter over the remaining fade timeT_(FADE_REMAINING). The load control device may then control theelectrical load to the commanded target value V_(TARGET) over theremaining fade time T_(FADE_REMAINING) and continue to control the loadcontrol parameter according to the constant fade rate r_(CON).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example load controller 800,such as the load controller 110 shown in FIG. 1 , for example. The loadcontroller 800 may include a control circuit 802 for controlling thefunctionality of the controller 800, as described herein. The controlcircuit 802 may include one or more general purpose processors, specialpurpose processors, conventional processors, digital signal processors(DSPs), microprocessors, integrated circuits, a programmable logicdevice (PLD), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or thelike. The control circuit 802 may perform signal coding, dataprocessing, power control, input/output processing, or any otherfunctionality that enables the controller 800 to perform as describedherein.

The control circuit 802 may store information in and/or retrieveinformation from the memory 804. The memory 804 may include anon-removable memory and/or a removable memory, as described herein. Forexample, the memory 804 may maintain a registry of associated inputdevices and/or load control devices, zone identifiers and the devicesassociated therewith, and/or other information described herein. Thenon-removable memory may include random-access memory (RAM), read-onlymemory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of non-removable memorystorage. The removable memory may include a subscriber identity module(SIM) card, a memory stick, a memory card, or any other type ofremovable memory. The memory 804 may be implemented as an externalintegrated circuit (IC) or as an internal circuit of the control circuit802.

The memory 804 may comprise a computer-readable storage media ormachine-readable storage media that maintains a device dataset ofassociated device identifiers, network information, and/orcomputer-executable instructions for performing as described herein. Forexample, the memory 804 may comprise computer-executable instructions ormachine-readable instructions that include one or more portions of theprocedures described herein. For example, the computer-executableinstructions or machine-readable instructions may, when executed, causethe control circuit 802 to perform one or more of the procedures 400,450, and/or 700. The control circuit 802 may access the instructionsfrom memory 804 for being executed to cause the control circuit 802 tooperate as described herein, or to operate one or more other devices asdescribed herein. Further, the memory 804 may have stored thereon one ormore settings and/or control parameters associated with the device 800.

The control circuit 802 may be in communication with one or more outputsource(s) 803 (e.g., one or more LED indicators) for providingindications to a user. The control circuit 802 may be in communicationwith an input circuit 801 (e.g., one or more buttons) that may beactuated by a user to communicate user selections to the control circuit802. For example, the input circuit 801 may be or include an actuator.For example, the input circuit 801 may be actuated to put the controlcircuit 802 in an association mode and/or communicate associationmessages from the load controller 800.

A load controller 800 may receive power via the hot connection 812 andthe neutral connection 814 and may provide an amount of power to otherdevices in the load control system. For example, the hot connection 812and the neutral connection 814 may be connected to the power line 160 onwhich power is provided from the AC power source 102 shown in FIG. 1 .

The load controller 800 may comprise a communication circuit 805 forcommunicating with other devices in the load control system. Forexample, the communication circuit 805 may be capable of communicatingvia a wired communication link, such as the wired communication link 104illustrated in FIG. 1 . The load controller 800 may include one or morewired communication circuits 807 for communicating with load controldevices via one or more wired communication links. The load controller800 may comprise a communication circuit for each wired communicationlink on which the load controller is capable of communicating, or asingle communication circuit may be configured to communicate on each ofthe wired communication links. The wired communication circuit 807 maytransmit and/or receive information via wired communication links (e.g.,the wired communication links described herein). The communicationcircuit 807 may include a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, orother circuit capable of performing wired communications on a wiredcommunication link. For example, the wired communication link may be aDALI communication link, as described herein.

The load controller 800 may be powered by a power source 810. The powersource 810 may include an AC power supply or DC power supply, forexample. The power source 810 may generate a supply voltage for poweringthe load controller 800. The power source 810 may convert the AC powerfrom the AC power source that is received via hot connection 812 andneutral connection 814 to loop power for each wired communication link.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a device 900capable of processing and/or communication in a load control system,such as the load control system 100 of FIG. 1A. In an example, thedevice 900 may be a control device capable of transmitting or receivingmessages. The control device may be in an input device, such as a sensordevice (e.g., an occupancy sensor or another sensor device), a visiblelight sensor (e.g., the sensor device 166), a remote control device, oranother input device capable of transmitting messages to load controldevices or other devices in the load control system 100. The device 900may be a computing device, such as a mobile device, a remote computingdevice, a processing device, a central computing device, or anothercomputing device in the load control system 100.

The device 900 may include a control circuit 901 for controlling thefunctionality of the device 900. The control circuit 901 may include oneor more general purpose processors, special purpose processors,conventional processors, digital signal processors (DSPs),microprocessors, integrated circuits, a programmable logic device (PLD),application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or the like. Thecontrol circuit 901 may perform signal coding, data processing, imageprocessing, power control, input/output processing, or any otherfunctionality that enables the device 900 to perform as one of thedevices of the load control system (e.g., load control system 100)described herein.

The control circuit 901 may be communicatively coupled to a memory 902to store information in and/or retrieve information from the memory 902.The memory 902 may comprise a computer-readable storage media ormachine-readable storage media that maintains a device dataset ofassociated device identifiers, network information, and/orcomputer-executable instructions for performing as described herein. Forexample, the memory 902 may comprise computer-executable instructions ormachine-readable instructions that include one or more portions of theprocedures described herein. For example, the computer-executableinstructions or machine-readable instructions may, when executed, causethe control circuit 901 to perform one or more of the procedures 400,450, and/or 700. The control circuit 901 may access the instructionsfrom memory 902 for being executed to cause the control circuit 901 tooperate as described herein, or to operate one or more other devices asdescribed herein. Further, the memory 902 may have stored thereon one ormore settings and/or control parameters associated with the device 900.

The memory 902 may include a non-removable memory and/or a removablememory. The non-removable memory may include random-access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of non-removablememory storage. The removable memory may include a subscriber identitymodule (SIM) card, a memory stick, a memory card, or any other type ofremovable memory. The memory 902 may be implemented as an externalintegrated circuit (IC) or as an internal circuit of the control circuit901.

The device 900 may include one or more communication circuits 904 thatare in communication with the control circuit 901 for sending and/orreceiving information as described herein. The communication circuit 904may perform wireless and/or wired communications. The communicationcircuit 904 may be a wired communication circuit capable ofcommunicating on a wired communication link. The wired communicationlink may include an Ethernet communication link, an RS-485 serialcommunication link, a 0-10 volt analog link, a pulse-width modulated(PWM) control link, a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI)digital communication link, and/or another wired communication link. Thecommunication circuit 904 may be configured to communicate via powerlines (e.g., the power lines from which the device 900 receives power)using a power line carrier (PLC) communication technique. Thecommunication circuit 904 may be a wireless communication circuitincluding one or more RF or infrared (IR) transmitters, receivers,transceivers, and/or other communication circuits capable of performingwireless communications.

Though a single communication circuit 904 may be illustrated, multiplecommunication circuits may be implemented in the device 900. The device900 may include a communication circuit configured to communicate viaone or more wired and/or wireless communication networks and/orprotocols and at least one other communication circuit configured tocommunicate via one or more other wired and/or wireless communicationnetworks and/or protocols. For example, a first communication circuitmay be configured to communicate via a wired or wireless communicationlink, while another communication circuit may be capable ofcommunicating on another wired or wireless communication link. The firstcommunication circuit may be configured to communicate via a firstwireless communication link (e.g., a wireless network communicationlink) using a first wireless protocol (e.g., a wireless networkcommunication protocol, and the second communication circuit may beconfigured to communicate via a second wireless communication link(e.g., a short-range or direct wireless communication link) using asecond wireless protocol (e.g., a short-range wireless communicationprotocol).

One of the communication circuits 904 may comprise a beacon transmittingand/or receiving circuit capable of transmitting and/or receiving beaconmessages via a short-range RF signal. The control circuit 901 maycommunicate with beacon transmitting circuit (e.g., a short-rangecommunication circuit) to transmit beacon messages. The beacontransmitting circuit may communicate beacons via RF communicationsignals, for example. The beacon transmitting circuit may be a one-waycommunication circuit (e.g., the beacon transmitting circuit isconfigured to transmit beacon messages) or a two-way communicationcircuit capable of receiving information on the same network and/orprotocol on which the beacons are transmitted (e.g., the beacontransmitting circuit is configured to transmit and receive beaconmessages). The information received at the beacon transmitting circuitmay be provided to the control circuit 901.

The control circuit 901 may be in communication with one or more inputcircuits 903 from which inputs may be received. The input circuits 903may be included in a user interface for receiving inputs from the user.For example, the input circuits 903 may include an actuator (e.g., amomentary switch that may be actuated by one or more physical buttons)that may be actuated by a user to communicate user input or selectionsto the control circuit 901. In response to an actuation of the actuator,the control circuit 901 may enter an association mode, transmitassociation messages from the device 900 via the communication circuits904, and/or receive other information (e.g., control instructions forperforming control of an electrical load). In response to an actuationof the actuator, the control circuit may be configured to performcontrol by transmitting control instructions indicating the actuation onthe user interface and/or the control instructions generated in responseto the actuation. The actuator may include a touch sensitive surface,such as a capacitive touch surface, a resistive touch surface aninductive touch surface, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) touch surface, aninfrared touch surface, an acoustic pulse touch surface, or anothertouch sensitive surface that is configured to receive inputs (e.g.,touch actuations/inputs), such as point actuations or gestures from auser. The control circuit 901 of the device 900 may enter theassociation mode, transmit an association message, transmit controlinstructions, or perform other functionality in response to an actuationor input from the user on the touch sensitive surface.

The input circuits 903 may include a sensing circuit (e.g., a sensor).The sensing circuit may be an occupant sensing circuit, a temperaturesensing circuit, a color (e.g., color temperature) sensing circuit, avisible light sensing circuit (e.g., a camera), a daylight sensingcircuit or ambient light sensing circuit, or another sensing circuit forreceiving input (e.g., sensing an environmental characteristic in theenvironment of the device 900). The control circuit 901 may receiveinformation from the one or more input circuits 903 and process theinformation for performing functions as described herein.

The control circuit 901 may be in communication with one or more outputsources 905. The output sources 905 may include one or more indicators(e.g., visible indicators, such as LEDs) for providing indications(e.g., feedback) to a user. The output sources 905 may include a display(e.g., a visible display) for providing information (e.g., feedback) toa user. The control circuit 901 and/or the display may generate agraphical user interface (GUI) generated via software for beingdisplayed on the device 900 (e.g., on the display of the device 900).

The user interface of the device 900 may combine features of the inputcircuits 903 and the output sources 905. For example, the user interfacemay have buttons that actuate the actuators of the input circuits 903and may have indicators (e.g., visible indicators) that may beilluminated by the light sources of the output sources 905. In anotherexample, the display and the control circuit 901 may be in two-waycommunication, as the display may display information to the user andinclude a touch screen capable of receiving information from a user. Theinformation received via the touch screen may be capable of providingthe indicated information received from the touch screen as informationto the control circuit 901 for performing functions or control.

Each of the hardware circuits within the device 900 may be powered by apower source 906. The power source 906 may include a power supplyconfigured to receive power from an alternating-current (AC) powersupply or direct-current (DC) power supply, for example. In addition,the power source 906 may comprise one or more batteries. The powersource 906 may produce a supply voltage V_(CC) for powering the hardwarewithin the device 900.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example load control device1000. The load control device 1000 may be a lighting control device(e.g., the lighting control devices or LED drivers for controlling theelectrical loads 124 a, 124 b), a motorized window treatment, a plug-inload control device, a temperature control device, a dimmer switch, aspeaker, an electronic switch, an electronic ballast for lamps, and/oranother load control device.

The load control device 1000 may include a control circuit 1001 forcontrolling the functionality of the load control device 1000. Thecontrol circuit 1001 may include one or more general purpose processors,special purpose processors, conventional processors, digital signalprocessors (DSPs), microprocessors, integrated circuits, a programmablelogic device (PLD), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), orthe like. The control circuit 1001 may perform signal coding, dataprocessing, image processing, power control, input/output processing, orany other functionality that enables the load control device 1000 toperform as one of the devices of the load control system (e.g., loadcontrol system 100) described herein.

The load control device 1000 may include a load control circuit 1005that may be electrically coupled in series between a power source 1007(e.g., an AC power source and/or a DC power source) and an electricalload 1008. The control circuit 1001 may be configured to control theload control circuit 1005 for controlling the electrical load 1008, forexample, in response to received instructions. The electrical load 1008may include a lighting load, a motor load (e.g., for a ceiling fanand/or exhaust fan), an electric motor for controlling a motorizedwindow treatment, a component of a heating, ventilation, and cooling(HVAC) system, a speaker, or any other type of electrical load. Theelectrical load may 1008 be included in or external to the load controldevice 1000. For example, the load control device 1000 may be a dimmerswitch or an LED driver capable of controlling an external lightingload. The electrical load 1008 may be integral with the load controldevice 1000. For example, the load control device 1000 may be includedin LEDs of a controllable light source, a motor of a motor drive unit,or a speaker in a controllable audio device.

The control circuit 1001 may be communicatively coupled to a memory 1002to store information in and/or retrieve information from the memory1002. The memory 1002 may comprise a computer-readable storage media ormachine-readable storage media that maintains a device dataset ofassociated device identifiers, network information, and/orcomputer-executable instructions for performing as described herein. Forexample, the memory 182 may comprise computer-executable instructions ormachine-readable instructions that include one or more portions of theprocedures described herein. The memory 1002 may have stored thereon oneor more settings and/or control parameters associated with the device1000. For example, the memory 1002 may have stored thereon one or moreassociations between control parameters and respective settings. Thesettings may be updated as described herein. The memory 1002 may storeone or more parameters and/or values for being controlled over differentfade times in response to computer-executable instructions or messagesas described herein.

The control circuit 1001 may access the instructions from memory 1002for being executed to cause the control circuit 1001 to operate asdescribed herein, or to operate one or more devices as described herein.For example, the memory 1002 may maintain a registry of associated inputdevices, a switchleg index associated with the load control device 1000for enabling control, a group identifier associated with the loadcontrol device 1000 on a wired communication link for enabling control,and/or a zone identifier associated with the load control device 1000for enabling control. The memory 1002 may include a non-removable memoryand/or a removable memory. The non-removable memory may includerandom-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or anyother type of non-removable memory storage. The removable memory mayinclude a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, amemory card, or any other type of removable memory. The memory 1002 maybe implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as an internalcircuit of the control circuit 1001. The load control circuit 1005 mayreceive instructions from the control circuit 1001 and may control anelectrical load 1008 based on the received instructions. The loadcontrol circuit 1005 may send status feedback to the control circuit1001 regarding the status of the electrical load 1008. The electricalload 1008 may include any type of electrical load, such as a lightingload (e.g., LED, fluorescent lamp, etc.).

The load control device 1000 may include one or more communicationcircuits 1004 that are in communication with the control circuit 1001for sending and/or receiving information as described herein. Thecommunication circuit 1004 may perform wireless and/or wiredcommunications. The communication circuit 1004 may be a wiredcommunication circuit capable of communicating on a wired communicationlink. The wired communication link may include an Ethernet communicationlink, an RS-485 serial communication link, a 0-10 volt analog link, apulse-width modulated (PWM) control link, a Digital Addressable LightingInterface (DALI) digital communication link, and/or another wiredcommunication link. The communication circuit 1004 may be configured tocommunicate via power lines (e.g., the power lines from which the loadcontrol device 1000 receives power) using a power line carrier (PLC)communication technique. The communication circuit 1004 may be awireless communication circuit including one or more RF or IRtransmitters, receivers, transceivers, or other communication circuitscapable of performing wireless communications. The communication circuit1004 may receive messages comprising parameters (e.g., as describedherein) for controlling the electrical load 1008 over a given amount oftime or at a given rate.

The load control circuit 1005 may receive power on the same link onwhich communications are received, or on a different link. The loadcontrol device 1000 may receive power from a wired communication link,which may be a wired power/communication link, a DC bus voltage, an ACmains line, and/or the like. The control circuit 1001 may be incommunication with the load control circuit 1005 for controlling theamount of power provided to an electrical load 1008.

Though a single communication circuit 1004 may be illustrated, multiplecommunication circuits may be implemented in the load control device1000. The load control device 1000 may include a communication circuitconfigured to communicate via one or more wired and/or wirelesscommunication networks and/or protocols and at least one othercommunication circuit configured to communicate via one or more otherwired and/or wireless communication networks and/or protocols. Forexample, a first communication circuit may be configured to communicatevia a wired or wireless communication link, while another communicationcircuit may be capable of communicating on another wired or wirelesscommunication link. The first communication circuit may be configured tocommunicate via a first wireless communication link (e.g., a wirelessnetwork communication link) using a first wireless protocol (e.g., awireless network communication protocol), and the second communicationcircuit may be configured to communicate via a second wirelesscommunication link (e.g., a short-range or direct wireless communicationlink) using a second wireless protocol (e.g., a short-range wirelesscommunication protocol).

One of the communication circuits 1004 may comprise a beacontransmitting and/or receiving circuit capable of transmitting and/orreceiving beacon messages via a short-range RF signal. A control circuit1001 may communicate with beacon transmitting circuit (e.g., ashort-range communication circuit) to transmit beacon messages. Thebeacon transmitting circuit may communicate beacon messages via RFcommunication signals, for example. The beacon transmitting circuit maybe a one-way communication circuit (e.g., the beacon transmittingcircuit is configured to transmit beacon messages) or a two-waycommunication circuit capable of receiving information on the samenetwork and/or protocol on which the beacon messages are transmitted(e.g., the beacon transmitting circuit is configured to transmit andreceive beacon messages). The information received at the beacontransmitting circuit may be provided to the control circuit 1001.

The control circuit 1001 may be in communication with one or more inputcircuits 1003 from which inputs may be received. The input circuits 1003may be included in a user interface for receiving inputs from the user.For example, the input circuits 1003 may include an actuator (e.g., amomentary switch that may be actuated by one or more physical buttons)that may be actuated by a user to communicate user input or selectionsto the control circuit 1001. In response to an actuation of theactuator, the control circuit 1001 may enter an association mode,transmit association messages from the load control device 1000 via thecommunication circuits 1004, and/or receive other information. Inresponse to an actuation of the actuator may perform control bycontrolling the load control circuit 1005 to control the electrical load1008, and/or by transmitting control instructions indicating theactuation on the user interface and/or the control instructionsgenerated in response to the actuation. The actuator may include a touchsensitive surface, such as a capacitive touch surface, a resistive touchsurface an inductive touch surface, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) touchsurface, an infrared touch surface, an acoustic pulse touch surface, oranother touch sensitive surface that is configured to receive inputs(e.g., touch actuations/inputs), such as point actuations or gesturesfrom a user. The control circuit 1001 of the load control device 1000may enter the association mode, transmit an association message, controlthe load control circuit 1005, transmit control instructions, or performother functionality in response to an actuation or input from the useron the touch sensitive surface.

The input circuits 1003 may include a sensing circuit (e.g., a sensor).The sensing circuit may be an occupant sensing circuit, a temperaturesensing circuit, a color (e.g., color temperature) sensing circuit, avisible light sensing circuit (e.g., a camera), a daylight sensingcircuit or ambient light sensing circuit, or another sensing circuit forreceiving input (e.g., sensing an environmental characteristic in theenvironment of the load control device 1000). The control circuit 1001may receive information from the one or more input circuits 1003 andprocess the information for performing functions as described herein.

The control circuit 1001 may illuminate a light sources 1006 (e.g.,LEDs) to provide feedback to a user. The control circuit 1001 may beoperable to illuminate the light sources 1006 different colors. Thelight sources 1006 may be illuminated by, for example, one or morelight-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Although features and elements are described herein in particularcombinations, each feature or element can be used alone or in anycombination with the other features and elements. The methods describedherein may be implemented in a computer program, software, instructions,or firmware stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediafor execution by a computer or processor. Examples of computer-readablemedia include electronic signals (transmitted over wired or wirelessconnections) and computer-readable storage media. Examples ofcomputer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, a readonly memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), removable disks, andoptical media such as CD-ROM disks, and digital versatile disks (DVDs).

What is claimed is:
 1. A load controller comprising: a communicationcircuit configured to communicate messages configured to control anelectrical load; and a control circuit configured to: identify aplurality of load control parameters that each have a different fadetime for performing control of the electrical load; determine that aremaining fade time for a first load control parameter of the pluralityof load control parameters is longer than a remaining fade time for asecond load control parameter of the plurality of load controlparameters; calculate an updated target value for controlling the firstload control parameter during the remaining fade time for the secondload control parameter; and transmit, via the communication circuit, amessage configured to control the first load control parameter and thesecond load control parameter during the remaining fade time for thesecond load control parameter, wherein the message comprises the updatedtarget value for controlling the first load control parameter and atarget value for controlling the second load control parameter.
 2. Theload controller of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured todetermine the updated target value for controlling the first loadcontrol parameter to approximate a target fade curve of the first loadcontrol parameter, wherein the target fade curve of the first loadcontrol parameter follows a commanded fade rate, the commanded fade ratecorresponding to controlling the first load control parameter toward thefirst target value over the first fade time.
 3. The load controller ofclaim 1, wherein the first load control parameter and the second loadcontrol parameter are lighting control parameters for controlling atleast one lighting load.
 4. The load controller of claim 3, wherein thefirst load control parameter and the second load control parameter eachcomprise a different lighting control parameter selected from a groupcomprising a lighting intensity and a color temperature. 5.Non-transitory computer readable media having instructions storedthereon that, when executed by a control circuit, cause the controlcircuit to: identify a plurality of load control parameters that eachhave a different fade time for performing control of an electrical load;determine that a remaining fade time for a first load control parameterof the plurality of load control parameters is longer than a remainingfade time for a second load control parameter of the plurality of loadcontrol parameters; calculate an updated target value for controllingthe first load control parameter during the remaining fade time for thesecond load control parameter; and transmit, via a communicationcircuit, a message configured to control the first load controlparameter and the second load control parameter during the remainingfade time for the second load control parameter, wherein the messagecomprises the updated target value for controlling the first loadcontrol parameter and a target value for controlling the second loadcontrol parameter.
 6. The non-transitory computer readable media ofclaim 5, wherein the instructions, when executed by the control circuit,further cause the control circuit to determine the updated target valuefor controlling the first load control parameter to approximate a targetfade curve of the first load control parameter, wherein the target fadecurve of the first load control parameter follows a commanded fade rate,the commanded fade rate corresponding to controlling the first loadcontrol parameter toward the first target value over the first fadetime.
 7. The non-transitory computer readable media of claim 5, whereinthe first load control parameter and the second load control parameterare lighting control parameters for controlling at least one lightingload, and wherein the first load control parameter and the second loadcontrol parameter each comprise a different lighting control parameterselected from a group comprising a lighting intensity and a colortemperature.
 8. A method comprising: identifying a plurality of loadcontrol parameters that each have a different fade time for performingcontrol of an electrical load; determining that a remaining fade timefor a first load control parameter of the plurality of load controlparameters is longer than a remaining fade time for a second loadcontrol parameter of the plurality of load control parameters;calculating an updated target value for controlling the first loadcontrol parameter during the remaining fade time for the second loadcontrol parameter; and transmitting, via a communication circuit, amessage configured to control the first load control parameter and thesecond load control parameter during the remaining fade time for thesecond load control parameter, wherein the message comprises the updatedtarget value for controlling the first load control parameter and atarget value for controlling the second load control parameter.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, further comprising determining the updated targetvalue for controlling the first load control parameter to approximate atarget fade curve of the first load control parameter, wherein thetarget fade curve of the first load control parameter follows acommanded fade rate, the commanded fade rate corresponding tocontrolling the first load control parameter toward the first targetvalue over the first fade time.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein thefirst load control parameter and the second load control parameter arelighting control parameters for controlling at least one lighting load,and wherein the first load control parameter and the second load controlparameter each comprise a different lighting control parameter selectedfrom a group comprising a lighting intensity and a color temperature.11. A load controller comprising: a communication circuit configured tocommunicate messages configured to control an electrical load; and acontrol circuit configured to: receive a target value of a parameter forcontrolling the electrical load and a fade time over which the parameteris to be controlled, the parameter to be controlled to the target valueover the fade time at a constant fade rate; determine that the fade timeis longer than a limited fade time; determine an intermediate targetvalue for controlling the parameter over the limited fade time, whereinthe intermediate target value is used to control the electrical load atthe constant fade rate over the limited fade time; and transmit, via thecommunication circuit, the intermediate target value for controlling theparameter over the limited fade time.
 12. The load controller of claim11, wherein the intermediate target value is a first intermediate targetvalue wherein the control circuit is further configured to; wait for alength of a transmission period; determine that a remaining fade timeafter the transmission period is longer than the limited fade time;determine a second intermediate target value for controlling theparameter over the limited fade time; and transmit, via thecommunication circuit, the second intermediate target value.
 13. Theload controller of claim 12, wherein the control circuit is furtherconfigured to: wait for a length of a second transmission period;determine that the remaining fade time after the second transmissionperiod is shorter than the limited fade time; and transmit, via thecommunication circuit, the target value of the parameter for controllingthe electrical load and the remaining fade time.
 14. The load controllerof claim 11, wherein the control circuit is further configured to:calculate the intermediate target value for controlling the parameterbased on a present value of the parameter and a lighting intensityadjustment value.
 15. The load controller of claim 11, wherein theparameter is a parameter for controlling at least one lighting load. 16.The load controller of claim 15, wherein the parameter is selected froma group comprising a lighting intensity and a color temperature.
 17. Amethod comprising: receiving a target value of a parameter forcontrolling an electrical load and a fade time over which the parameteris to be controlled, the parameter to be controlled to the target valueover the fade time at a constant fade rate; determining that the fadetime is longer than a limited fade time; determining an intermediatetarget value for controlling the parameter over the limited fade time,wherein the intermediate target value is used to control the electricalload at the constant fade rate over the limited fade time; andtransmitting, via a communication circuit, the intermediate target valuefor controlling the parameter over the limited fade time.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein the intermediate target value is a firstintermediate target value, and wherein the method further comprises:waiting for a length of a transmission period; determining that aremaining fade time after the transmission period is longer than thelimited fade time; determining a second intermediate target value forcontrolling the parameter over the limited fade time; and transmitting,via the communication circuit, the second intermediate target value. 19.The method of claim 18, further comprising: waiting for a length of asecond transmission period; determining that the remaining fade timeafter the second transmission period is shorter than the limited fadetime; and transmitting, via the communication circuit, the target valueof the parameter for controlling the electrical load and the remainingfade time.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: calculatingthe intermediate target value for controlling the parameter based on apresent value of the parameter and a lighting intensity adjustmentvalue.